Earlier this week, I discussed the concern that jazz was becoming too woke, a situation being blamed for dismissals at the Kennedy Center. My premise was a simple one. Long before there were concerns about “woke,” jazz was part of the fabric of the music world. That traits of the jazz life were consistent with some of the elements of “woke” does not mean that jazz has been altered in the pursuit of “woke.” There is no chicken or egg controversy here. Jazz came first. “Woke” followed.
I have been writing The Weekender for 9 years now. Jazz Notes came to be during the Pandemic. What else was there to do? My various blurbs have been praised and panned, applauded and appalled and, most of all, ignited and ignored. My note on “Is Jazz Too Woke?” rang all the bells! Praised for courage, panned for being elitist, applauded for raising awareness and appalled for tackling such a controversial message. Clearly, the note ignited some while others have chosen to simply ignore it altogether.
I do not mind being chided and I am very comfortable being ignored. After all, most of the time you cannot tell if you are being ignored, which is a type of ignoring in and of itself.
What I do mind is being misunderstood, particularly when I go to great lengths to be clear. Some readers thought I was trying to cajole the Kennedy Center to hire back the jazz folks they recently let go. And some thought I was criticizing the Kennedy Center for not being “woke” enough. Wrong and wrong. I would never tell others how to run their business and I have no idea what it means to be “more woke.” Either you are “woke” or you are not!
Putting the whole “woke” thing aside, with pleasure, the issue here is how we interpret the words and deeds of others to suit our own aims and goals. The same holds true for music, particularly jazz. The other day I was talking about a particular modern player whose latest recordings were heavy on sounds and light on melodies. I commented that I prefer a tune that has a melody of some kind. Tapping my toes and humming a few bars are essential elements to music appreciation for me.
Shouted down for being provincial and unimaginative, I was told that I was missing the entire point that the composer was trying to achieve. This criticism lasted for a very long time, which was surprising since the critic had never met the composer, mispronounced his name and was unable to name other tunes by this cat. In no way am I saying that I was right and he was wrong. I freely admit that my taste in jazz is not as experimental as perhaps it should be. In the immortal words of Rhett & Link, “I like what I like.”
Never heard of Rhett & Link? Me either, which is precisely my point. You don’t need to agree just because others say something, but you do need to be careful when you try to define their words.
Unless they tell you directly what was on their mind, you have no idea what Rhett & Link were thinking when they wrote those words and composed that song.
Recently, I saw a documentary on the meaning of American Pie by Don McLean. Music stars, including Garth Brooks, are quoted as knowing the deeper meaning of the lyrics of the song. When asked if those interpretations were correct, Don McLean simply smiled, but it was not a simple smile. It was the smile of someone pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes.
No more talk of “woke.” Let’s work hard next week to be direct and honest. Save the winking to the man who sang about Jack Flash, the Devil and Satan, while proclaiming that he knew the “Day The Music Died” and did so in a song that takes 8 minutes and 36 seconds to play. I bow to greatness!
By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.
’26 Cruise Update/’27 Cruise Schedule:
What’s New, What’s Available and What’s On Sale!
Evidently, we have succeeded at confusing our fans. With 8 sailings in ’26 and 8 sailings in ’27, we have managed to confuse ourselves as well. We thought it was time to lay out the cruise programs in one schedule and provide guests with a brief status as to availability.
This chart is at the end of this edition of The Weekender. Before diving into that 16-cruise information presentation, we have some overview thoughts to share.
’26 Programs
- The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 and The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2 are fully reserved, waitlist only. The Jazz Cruise ’26 and The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 will reach that level in the next few weeks or sooner. If you wish to sail on those programs, act now.
- Botti at Sea III, which sails on the West Coast in just under one year from now, is already 60% reserved. Acting soon is advised
- Top Shelf Country Cruise is our new venture with iHeart Media. If any jazz fans wish to sail on this cruise, we promise not to share your name with the jazz police.
- BEST OPPORTUNITIES. Our first sailings in ’26, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Christian McBride’s World at Sea offer fans the opportunity to sail on a Signature Cruise Experiences’ program at special prices.
- The Foster Cruise is offering the remaining Veranda/Ocean View/Inside Staterooms (all that is left!) at GETAWAY Cruise Prices.
- The McBride Cruise is doing the same with its remaining inventory which includes, in addition to Veranda/Ocean View/Inside Staterooms, a few Concierge and AquaClass Staterooms. The offer in this case is for FINAL Cruise Prices.
- When reserving a stateroom on Foster or McBride, either online or by calling the office, be sure to use the promo code GETAWAY for Foster and FINAL for McBride.
’27 Cruises
The ’27 Programs are in various stages of availability. Though none of the programs are in Open Booking, reservation activity is active in a few of the sailings.
- Guests who sailed on Journey of Jazz ’25 are able to rebook their ’25 Stateroom for Journey of Jazz ’27 (headed to New Orleans for a special overnight stop) and everyone else is eligible to complete a Pre-Sail Reservation for the program, thereby establishing their priority for ’27.
- Guests who will be sailing on either The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 or The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2 may rebook their ’26 Stateroom for the corresponding sailing in ’27. Again, those who are not sailing on a ’26 edition of The Smooth Jazz Cruise may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation for any ’27 sailing.
- Announcements for the reservation procedures for The Jazz Cruise ’27, Top Shelf Country Cruise ’27, Botti at Sea IV and The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 will be made soon.
- SPOILER ALERT: Botti at Sea IV and The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 will be bound for Canada in the fall of ’26. Boston – Quebec City for Botti and Quebec City – Boston for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.3!
- For those keeping score, that accounts for 7 sailings. The 8th sailing will be announced very soon and it will be a 5-Day program that will lead off the ’27 lineup on 1.12.27.
As our fans know, this information is subject to change, but, for now, this 16-cruise lineup is set. Feel free to send us questions. We love hearing from you.
Share Your Expertise! A Call to Our Veteran Cruisers
We’re reaching out so you can help our first-time cruisers enjoy a smooth, stress-free vacation by sharing the invaluable knowledge you’ve gathered over the years. Submit your best tips, tricks and tales for a chance to be featured!
- Top Tips for a New Cruiser: What are the essential, must-know secrets you share with everyone?
- “Wish I Knew Then”: What’s the one piece of advice you’d give yourself before your very first cruise?
- Stories of What NOT to Do: Share your most memorable “oops” moments. A good laugh often comes with the best lesson!
- Great Cruise Products & Gear: What items do you always pack that significantly improves your cruise experience?
Your personal stories and practical suggestions will help turn a new cruiser’s first journey from “good” to “absolutely unforgettable.” Email cruisetips@scecruises.com to submit your favorite tip, story, or packing essential today!
Exit Zero Jazz Festival in Cape May, NJ
The Exit Zero Jazz Festival takes over the quaint Jersey shore town of Cape May twice a year – in the fall and spring – with concert performances at the Convention Center and the Clemans Theater for the Arts, as well as late-night shows at the downtown clubs. Headliners at this year’s fall edition on November 7-9 include Cassandra Wilson, Stanley Clarke, Gabrielle Cavassa, Omar Sosa, Tuba Skinny, Endea Owens and many others.
Signature Cruise Experiences Program Update
’26 Sailings
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
Sailing Dates: 1.15.26 – 1.20.26
Open Booking in effect
Only Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms Remain Available
SPECIAL NOTE: Remaining Staterooms Are Available at GETAWAY Cruise Prices! Best Offer!
Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Sailing Dates:1.20.26 – 1.27.26
Open Booking in effect
Only Concierge, Aqua Class, Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms Remain Available
SPECIAL NOTE: Remaining Staterooms Are Available at FINAL Cruise Prices! Best Offer!
The Jazz Cruise ’26
Sailing Dates: 1.27.26 – 2.3.26 Open Booking in effect
SPECIAL NOTE: Though only 50 Staterooms remain available, the inventory includes Staterooms with Balconies as well as Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.
No special pricing available.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1
Sailing Dates: 2.3.26 – 2.10.26
Fully Reserved
JOIN WAITLIST
No Special Pricing
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2
Sailing Dates: 2.10.26 – 2.17.26
Fully Reserved
JOIN WAITLIST
No Special Pricing
Top Shelf Country Cruise
Sailing Dates: 2.27.26 – 3.6.26
Open Booking in Effect
Only Concierge, AquaClass & Veranda Staterooms Available 82% Reserved
SPECIAL NOTE: For Special Cruise Prices, visit the website.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3
Sailing Dates: 9.11.26 – 9.18.26
Open Booking in effect
95% Reserved
SPECIAL NOTE: Though only 60 Staterooms remain available, the inventory includes Staterooms with Balconies as well as Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.
No special pricing available.
Botti at Sea III (’26)
Sailing Dates: 9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Open Booking in effect
65% Reserved
SPECIAL NOTE: Remaining staterooms include Concierge, AquaClass and Veranda Staterooms (all with balconies), as well as Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.
No special pricing available.
’27 Sailings
New Cruise Program
Sailing Dates: 1.12.27 – 1.17.27
Announcement: 11.3.25
The Jazz Cruise ’27
Sailing Dates: 1.17.27 – 1.24.27
Announcement: 11.13.25
Journey of Jazz ‘27
Sailing Dates: 1.24.27 – 1.31.27
Guests on Journey of Jazz ’25: Now through 12.12.25: Past Guests may Rebook Stateroom from Journey of Jazz ‘25
Guests Not on Journey of Jazz ’25: NOW: New Guests may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation
Starting on 12.15.25: Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations may start to select Staterooms
Open Booking Starts:12.30.25
Cruise Prices: As shown on website
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.1
Sailing Dates: 1.31.27 – 2.7.27
Guests on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1: Now through 11.26.25 Past Guests may Rebook Stateroom from The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1
Guests Not on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1: NOW: New Guests may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation Starting on 12.4.25: Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations may start to select Staterooms
Open Booking Starts: 12.29.25
Cruise Prices: As shown on website
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.2
Sailing Dates: 2.7.27 – 2.14.27
Guests on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2: Now through 11.26.25: Past Guests may Rebook Stateroom from The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2
Guests Not on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2: NOW: New Guests may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation
Starting on 12.4.25: Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations may start to select Staterooms
Open Booking Starts: 12.29.25
Cruise Prices: As shown on website
Top Shelf Country Cruise ’27
Sailing Dates: 4.9.27 – 4.16.27
Announcement: TBD
Botti at Sea IV (’27)
Sailing Dates: 10.6.27 – 10.13.27
Announcement: TBD
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.3
Sailing Dates: 10.13.27 – 10.20.27
Announcement: TBD