Tax Day +1: Let’s Celebrate!
Every year April 15 looms as a day of reckoning for taxpayers. If you are receiving a refund, you probably paid too much during the year. If you owe money – you owe money. Nothing you can do but write the check and move on. Whichever your outcome, at least you are done for another year. For those of you who elect to extend your filing date, well, you are closer to the end as well.
So, now that you are in the celebratory mood, how should you enjoy yourself? Here are three Jazz Appreciation Month suggestions.
- See a jazz show LIVE! Having spent last weekend at Berks Jazz Fest, I can attest to the fact that nothing is better than being at a live jazz show. The energy. The music. The fans.
- Check Out a Signature Cruise Experiences’ Cruise Program. Jazz lovers take note. Though The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2 is fully reserved and The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 has fewer than 15 staterooms available, there are somewhat larger selections available for Journey of Jazz ‘25/Christian McBride’s World at Sea ‘26/The Jazz Cruise ’26/The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 and Botti at Sea ’26. A special Jazz Lovers offer will be presented in the 4.19.25 edition of The Weekender.
- Christian McBride’s Cruise Lowdown Livestream. See below to sign up now for Christian McBride’s April 29, 2025 (3PM EDT) livestream for his World at Sea cruise. Christian will be joined by other musicians on the cruise and you will have an opportunity to ask questions about the cruise in real time!
Remember, April 30, 2025 is International Jazz Day. Conveniently scheduled on a Wednesday this year, the Jazz Notes edition sent that day will be an all-International jazz presentation.
More Artist Responses
While we are gathering the very best of our guests’ responses to “What Jazz Appreciation Month Means,” we have had additional responses from some of our amazing talent.
“I guess every month is Jazz Appreciation Month for me personally, but I’m glad that they’ve specifically made one apparent for the whole world to appreciate such a great art form, such a fluid art form, such a communication between musicians on stage that is different every night and so fulfilling. It takes a lot of practice and a lot of patience, but once it comes together on stage, it makes for such a special, unique opportunity for the audience and the musicians to express themselves in that moment, on that stage, on that particular night with one another.”
– Chris Botti
Superstar Trumpeter and Host of Chris Botti at Sea
“Among the many things Jazz has blessed me with in my life, the global community of musicians and listeners is perhaps what I cherish the most. I’m constantly reminded of our international language every time I perform abroad and without speaking a common word, I’m able to connect with players and audiences of all backgrounds, cultures and walks of life. This music brings people together, and I’m grateful to be a part of that mission.”
– Benny Benack III
Trumpeter/Leader and Longtime Star of The Jazz Cruise
“I thank all the gods every day for jazz music. Jazz makes you feel like being part of a special tribe. All different people from all walks of life and all parts of the world, can come together and communicate without words – how cool is that?
Freedom and individuality but togetherness at the same time. I love it!”
– Candy Dulfer
International Jazz Star and Longtime Performer on SCE Cruises
“The word that comes to my mind when I think about Jazz appreciation month is thankfulness. I’m thankful for those who created this art form and paved the path for many generations to follow. I’m thankful for my mentors, for guiding me, teaching me and always performing at the highest level.
I’m thankful for my peers, for creating community, innovation and for their inspiration. I’m also thankful for the students of Jazz hoping they stay open and receive the knowledge shared with them by their mentors! Last, but not least, I’m thankful for a Jazz community for showing so much love and support for the music and the artists.”
– Terell Stafford
Trumpeter/Leader and Longtime Star of The Jazz Cruise
Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Join Christian for his First Ever “Cruise” Lowdown Livestream
Want to learn more about Christian McBride’s World at Sea cruise? Sign up now to join the first ever “Cruise” Lowdown Livestream with Christian McBride on Tuesday, April 29 at 3 PM ET for information about the cruise straight from the host!
Christian will preside over this livestream, share his thoughts, ideas and goals for this amazing cruise and talk about the first-class musicians who will be joining him. Guests will have the opportunity to send in questions and comments which will be answered in real time!
Learn why guests are calling this cruise the best of past programs such as North Sea Jazz Cruise, Playboy Jazz Cruise and Blue Note at Sea cruise. Christian McBride is the only bandleader we know whose ensembles make that boast.
When you add in the warmth, spirit and talents of Christian, you know that something special is about to happen. Join us for “The Cruise Lowdown” livestream on April 29.
Shelly Berg: Stepping Down and Stepping Out
Guests of The Jazz Cruise know Shelly Berg as a creative pianist and bandleader, as well as the host for events like “Sing, Sing, Sing” and “JazzU.” He served as the cruise’s music director for many years and is responsible for introducing several amazing young artists to our audience, including Emmet Cohen, Veronica Swift and Taylor Eigsti. However, what our guests might not know is that Shelly has been one of the most important educators and leaders in the jazz education community.
Specifically, after many years teaching at USC in Los Angeles, he led the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music at the University of Miami since 2007 and has played a major part in making it one of the premier music schools (and jazz programs) in the country.
He recently announced that he’s stepping down from his position as Dean of Frost Music in order to focus on his own musical career, which was already marked by numerous recordings along with six GRAMMY® nominations. “I’ve thrown myself into my academic career,” Shelly said in an article for the school’s website. “While I have the vitality and health it’s important for me to turn my attention towards making music and sharing it with audiences. That has come second for an awfully long time. It feels important to make some time for that in the next chapter.”
– Lee Mergner
Jazz Consultant to Signature Cruise Experiences
I would be remiss if I did not add my congratulations and best wishes to Shelly on his new venture. I have no doubt that his teaching and administrative skills are superb, but I know him as an amazing player. His musical talents surpass anything else I can imagine him doing, so I was not surprised to learn of Shelly’s decision.
And, starting a new career (actually extending his career) at 70 is hardly surprising to us at Signature Cruise Experiences. Our founder, Anita E. Berry, was 70+ when our first cruise sailed in 2001. And that has seemed to work out.
Upon further thought, now he has more time for the cruises….
– Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director of Signature Cruise Experiences and a Shelly Berg Fan
Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs
Journey of Jazz ’25 – Be on the Lookout for a Message from Gregory Porter! JAM Prices Available!
HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
is in Open Booking
CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
is in Open Booking
THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
is in Open booking
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 is in Open Booking; 26.2 is Fully Reserved
THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Final Lineup & Itinerary Now Available
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
is in Open Booking
