Page 61 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2021

LRBC Virtual Cruise Emcee BIGLLOU says, “It was big fun getting to dress up and
play ‘virtual host’ for the LRBC. I can’t wait to get back on the ship to see our Blues
Cruiser family. Every year it’s like a reunion at sea!”

Reverend Billy C. Wirtz. These hour-long segments are musician-
to-musician conversations sharing road stories, insights into
artists’ careers, live performances and lots of laughs! Rev. Billy
explains, “Some of the best moments on the LRBC cruises are
the stories shared between musicians over coffee or late-night
drinks on the Lido deck after shows. That’s the vibe we’ve tried
to maintain with the interviews to keep that Cruiser magic Driftin’
and Driftin’ along.” Guests have included Booker T. Jones, Elvin
Bishop, Keb’ Mo’, Ruthie Foster, Bobby Rush, Tommy Castro,
Shemekia Copeland, Danielle Nicole, Kenny Neal, Ronnie Baker
Brooks, Deanna Bogart, Terrance Simien, G. Love, Mitch Woods
and more. Tune in! The Happy Hour and live chat sessions air
every other Thursday at 5pm CST on LRBC Facebook Live and
LRBC’s YouTube channel.
While the virtual cruises were fun, we can’t wait to get back
on the high seas with the Bluesin’ family. The next two Legendary
Rhythm & Blues Cruises (#35 and #36) sail from Fort Lauderdale,
FL, in November 2021 and January 2022, respectively. To get
back on the open water, the LRBC’s #1 priority is to provide a
healthy and safe environment. As a charterer of Holland America
ships, the LRBC is also guided by the ever-changing rules of the
CDC. Every sign in the cruise industry, such as cruise lines setting
sail this summer, points toward mandatory vaccinations. LRBC
musicians, production crew and staff are required to be fully
vaccinated, and passengers who wish to sail are encouraged to
get their COVID-19 vaccine as well, in preparation. The LRBC will
communicate rule and policy changes as circumstances evolve.
LRBC CEO Roger Naber shares, “We are extremely excited
to restart the LRBC this fall! With the repositioning of Holland
America’s fleet, LRBC #35 has been rescheduled to November
6-13, 2021. We will now sail aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam,
and have secured the same itinerary of Curacao, Aruba and the
private island Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas!”
To check out the archived Dry Docked & Landlocked
videos and archived/live streams of the Driftin’ & Driftin’
series, as well as the latest info, band lineups, cabin
availability and reservations, visit www.BluesCruise.com.

All photos courtesy of the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise

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