Page 47 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2024 Digital Edition

I’ve been on 11 Sixthman Live Loud Cruises, the first being In addition to so many performances to catch, there are other
their second cruise in 2002, The Rock Boat. Fast forward to events like “Live From Nerdville,” in which Joe interviews artists for
2015, when an email caught my eye for a new Sixthman cruise his SiriusXM show. I’ve learned a lot about Kenny Wayne Shepherd
– Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea, featuring Joe Bonamassa. watching that. Another favorite is the “Campfire Sessions,” which
But what really excited me was that Beth Hart was on the is a more acoustic event with four or five artists/bands that tell
lineup – I’m a huge fan and just LOVE her! My guitarist/friend stories about the songs and what inspired writing them. Then the
and I decided to go, and it was the best decision I ever made. songs are performed, and the others often jam along. There are
Since my first KTBA cruise in 2016, I have been on eight, as some very touching moments and some hysterical ones too!
well as the first of three KTBA Mediterranean cruises, and I’m Let’s not forget, the SWAG! Every day, we return to our
already booked for KTBA X in 2025 – their 10 Anniversary! cabins to find fun and practical swag items, like the branded
th
Joe always puts together a great lineup! I love that he water bottles and cups – awesome for the coffee you need to
has some up-and-comers on the bill along with blues rock fan drink to keep up with everything happening on the ship! The
favorites. Once in a while, he throws us for a loop, adding day before reaching port, we receive that year’s Bonamassa
an artist or band that doesn’t seem like a fit, but they always beach towel and tote, and in the past, there have also been
impress. 2024’s artists included Joe (of course!), Grace compilation CDS of the performing artists. One year, they
Potter, Black Country Communion, The Marshall Tucker Band, gave out harmonicas AND a lesson with Dennis Gruenling
The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmy Vivino, Brandon “Taz” and Nick Moss – nothing like seeing 100+ people in a room
Niederaurer, Nikki Hill and many more! trying to play the harmonica!

Leslie Morgan and Jimmy Carpenter enjoy a chat at one of The Big Easy’s many music Keeping the Blues Alive At Sea cruises off into the sunset.
venues. Photo by Kaati Gaffney Photo by Jacque Duhame

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