August Hits Different Today is August 1, the first day of the last month of what most of us consider to be Summer. The Fall Solstice, the official end of Summer and start of Fall is September 22, but once August is over and Labor Day has passed, the weather may be summerlike, but the […]

The “Surfing” Theory For as long as I can remember, I have encouraged folks to recognize the “surfing” theory of life and adapt accordingly. What is the “surfing” theory of life? Quite simply, it is the recognition that no trend or pattern or operation goes on forever. Just like every wave in the ocean winds […]

Months ago, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced its Jazz Masters for 2026. The list included vocalist / composer Carmen Lundy, percussionist / composer Airto Moreira, keyboardist / producer Patrice Rushen and broadcaster Rhonda Hamilton. As has been the custom for years, the recipients are to be honored at a tribute concert. The […]

There is Only One Poll That Matters(And You Conduct it Every Day)  Reader’s polls in jazz have been around for decades. One of the most famous jazz poll was in Playboy magazine. For many of us, that was our first “exposure” to jazz. At least that was our defense when caught with the magazine. Since […]

In the last few days, I have had cataract surgery and light-adjustable lenses inserted. What sounded like a major hassle has been, thus far, pretty easy. My exercise and time outside have been severely limited and will continue to be for a bit, but there is no pain and I have been able to work. […]

The Ultimate Cruise Irony: When Do We Eat? Though not finalized, over the weekend I reviewed our current programming for The Jazz Cruise ’27. It is spectacular. More than 100 jazz musicians. More than 210 hours of music and entertainment. As Randy Brecker says, it is “Jazz Heaven.” You know a cruise program is special […]

The 18+ Edition A recent article in USA TODAY shared the announcement by United Kingdom cruise line, Marella Cruises, that it was “earmarking one of its ships, Marella Discovery 2, for adults only cruises.” The article outlined Marella’s plans to replace the kid’s spaces with an arts and crafts area, karaoke, meeting rooms and a […]

If oxygen masks are deployed while you’re flying, the flight attendant instructs you to place the mask on you first before helping others. A comedian once quipped that the best thing he could do for people in need was not to be one of them.   The first story is helpful. The second is inordinately […]

Happy 250th Birthday America! I doubt that there is a standard gift for someone’s 250th birthday. I know a couple of trees that old, but when I asked them what kind of gift they would want, all they did was bark! I would understand fully if you stopped reading now. You may recall that Signature […]

Today is Day 1 of Signature Cruise Experiences Summer Holiday. Depending upon the day of the week on which July 4th lands, we take the week before or the week after Independence Day off. This year, we chose the week before, which means we will reopen on Monday, July 6.  Though the office is closed, […]