JAZZ FESTIVALS Archives - Signature Cruise Experiences https://scecruises.com/tag/jazz-festivals/ The Gold Standard for Charter Theme Cruises Since 2001 Fri, 29 Aug 2025 19:47:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cropped-web-app-manifest-512x512-1-32x32.png JAZZ FESTIVALS Archives - Signature Cruise Experiences https://scecruises.com/tag/jazz-festivals/ 32 32 Our Take: Labor Day Weekend https://scecruises.com/2025/08/30/our-take-labor-day-weekend/ Sat, 30 Aug 2025 03:36:00 +0000 https://scecruises.com/?p=9271 If you are looking for a great jazz experience this Labor Day Weekend, the search is an easy one. In alphabetical order, Aspen, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, District of Columbia and Vail each have a “jazz” festival planned, though the term “jazz festival” often has a more historic than current meaning. The Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor […]

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]]> If you are looking for a great jazz experience this Labor Day Weekend, the search is an easy one. In alphabetical order, Aspen, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, District of Columbia and Vail each have a “jazz” festival planned, though the term “jazz festival” often has a more historic than current meaning. The Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience features Imagine Dragons, Lenny Kravitz, and Luke Combs. That is an amazing lineup, one more than worth attending, but I am not sure that our jazz folks would abide using “Jazz” in the title.

I have spent some time with the good folks at Jazz Aspen Snowmass and there is no doubt that they are true music aficionados. While jazz was the original music of choice for the group, their current main shows embrace other genres. Their JAS Café, however, remains a hot bed of great jazz. Their upcoming winter offerings include Trombone Shorty, Christian McBride and Benny Green, as well as Niki Haris singing with The James Horowitz Trio. Horowitz is the brains behind Jazz Aspen Snowmass and a true friend of jazz.

We have chronicled our history with Vail Jazz Festival on several occasions. The ’25 edition reads like an alumni club of musicians from The Jazz Cruise: John Clayton, Terell Stafford, Lewis Nash, Wycliffe Gordon, Byron Stripling, Gerald Clayton, Obed Calvaire, René Marie and more. 

The DC Jazz Festival features two of our cruise hosts, Emmet Cohen and Marcus Miller, as well as one of the stars of Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and The Detroit Jazz Festival showcases Herlin Riley, John Pizzarelli, Chucho Valdés and Paquito D’Rivera, and, once again, Emmet Cohen.

Jazz festivals on Labor Day seem to be a “thing.” Why not? It’s a unique American holiday, so featuring a unique American music genre makes sense. Throw in a good baseball game, the beginning of the second week of the US Open tennis, a family barbecue and the return to school and college, and you have the makings of all that America stands for. Recent Labor Day party crashers include the NCAA and NFL, both of which used to start after Labor Day. Granted, they are as American as the other events, but their encroachment seems unnecessary.

The team at Signature Cruise Experiences will be taking a breather this weekend in anticipation of our first fall cruise in 20 years, Journey of Jazz ’25, which sails from Vancouver to Los Angeles, starting on September 12. You can catch Marcus, Emmet, Chucho, Cécile, Wycliffe, John Clayton, Niki and others on that sailing. We assume that these folks are using these other festivals as a warm-up or sound check for the cruise. Just joking. None of them need that extra work to be amazing!

And, if you miss these musicians at either the festivals or on Journey of Jazz ’25, all of them reappear this winter on either Christian McBride’s World at Sea or The Jazz Cruise ’26. Our sandbox may not be large, but I love the folks who play there. Enjoy the holiday!

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.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1 & ‘27.2 Live Lineup Announcement

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE 27

Big news is on the horizon! Join us live on Thursday, September 4 at 3:00 PM ET for an exclusive Lineup Reveal for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1 and ‘27.2! Cruise co-hosts, Marcus Miller and Boney James, will reveal which of your favorite smooth jazz musicians will be joining us.  Don’t miss this first look at the incredible artists who will be bringing the music to the Greatest Party at Sea!

REGISTER FOR LINEUP REVEAL!

Anthony Wilson’s House of the Singing Blossoms

ANTHONY WILSON HOUSE OF SINGING BLOSSOMS

Guitarist Anthony Wilson, who will be performing with Diana Krall on Journey of Jazz in a few weeks, has just released a new nonet album, House of the Singing Blossoms, performed live and recorded at Sam First Jazz Club in Los Angeles. The group includes pianist Gerald Clayton, trombonist Alan Ferber, tenor saxophonist Bob Reynolds, alto saxophonist Nicole McCabe, baritone saxophonist Henry Solomon, trumpeter and French horn player CJ Camerieri, bassist Anna Butterss and drummer Mark Ferber.  

“I’ve been feeling for quite some time that I wanted to revisit that instrumentation,” Wilson said about his fifth nonet album. “I’d heard people like B.B. King, or Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown, T-Bone Walker, those kinds of guitarists centered in a group with a horn section and over a period of years it kind of opened up. I’ve learned to have less of a hold over what we were doing, turning it into the kind of ensemble that incorporated improvisation in a more open, natural way.”

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Signature Cruise Experiences Programs Stateroom Availability

’25 PROGRAMS

JOURNEY OF JAZZ PORTHOLE THE WEEKENDER

Journey of Jazz ’25 is Fully Reserved
 Journey of Jazz is fully reserved. A few staterooms are available due to guests forced to cancel their reservations. Call the office for cancelled stateroom pricing and availability. 

JOIN WAITLIST


’26 PROGRAMS

DAVID FOSTER THE HITMAN CRUISE PORTHOLE
MCBRIDES WORLD AT SEA SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
The Jazz Cruise SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES

5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience!
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise will deliver five incredible days & nights of five-star entertainment, centered around the music of 16-time GRAMMY® winner David Foster, including Michael McDonald, Katharine McPhee, Babyface and other incredible talents.

Open Booking has begun and staterooms are moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom using Promo Code: EOS25 for special End of Summer Pricing. Ends 9.22.25! 

BOOK NOW

Limited Time Promotional Pricing
  Join us on Christian McBride’s World at Sea to see Christian and amazing vocalists like Samara Joy, Ledisi, José James, Angélique Kidjo and more! We’ve heard your requests! End of Summer Pricing is available for ALL remaining staterooms at incredible savings through the End of Summer! Use Promo Code: EOS25 to book your stateroom about Christian McBride’s World at Sea at the lowest price seen! Offer good through September 22! 

*New Reservations Only

BOOK NOW

Open Booking Available
 The Jazz Cruise ’26 will be sold out before you know it. It happens every year since 2001. Book Now with Promo: EOS25 to secure the best pricing available and your place on the Greatest Jazz Festival in the World!

BOOK NOW

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are Both Fully Reserved
  Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall, consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3. 

JOIN WAITLIST

Top Shelf Country Cruise Signature Cruise Experiences
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
BOTTI AT SEA SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES

Open Booking Now Available
  With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

Open Booking Now Available
  For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast! 

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 85% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

Open Booking Now Available
  The full lineup of artists and excursions has been announced! Though the cruise is more than a year away, staterooms are going fast. Reserve your stateroom today to see Chris Botti, Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle and more! 

BOOK NOW

’27 PROGRAMS

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE 27
JOURNEY OF JAZZ 27

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1 & ‘27.2
Marcus Miller and Boney James will announce the headliners and itinerary for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1 and ‘27.2 in a live Lineup Reveal on 9.4.25 at 3PM ET. Register to watch! 

REGISTER FOR LINEUP REVEAL

Journey of Jazz ’27
 Journey of Jazz ’27 will be announced no later than January 15, 2026. Sailing dates are 1.24.27 – 1.31.27 and will include special programming in New Orleans.

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]]> Our Take: How the History of Jazz has Become the Journey of Jazz https://scecruises.com/2025/03/17/our-take-how-the-history-of-jazz-has-become-the-journey-of-jazz/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:39:23 +0000 https://scecruises.com/?p=8543 It is one thing to talk about the History of Jazz. It is quite another thing to make that story live with music. For years, Marcus Miller has presented a 60 – 75 minute show which traces the history of jazz from the early days in New Orleans through the end of BeBop and the […]

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]]> It is one thing to talk about the History of Jazz. It is quite another thing to make that story live with music. For years, Marcus Miller has presented a 60 – 75 minute show which traces the history of jazz from the early days in New Orleans through the end of BeBop and the beginning of Cool Jazz. Lately, he has added some post-1950 teachings, but we still have not reached the world of jazz post-2000. After all, the subject matter is difficult and giving each defining song its due takes time.

Once you accept that the life of jazz is a journey, the idea of a Journey of Jazz cruise makes a lot of sense. The idea has been bouncing around our development team for years. The time never seemed right and the itineraries never seemed to jive with the concept. But, once we learned about the West Coast sailing of Vancouver – Victoria – San Francisco – Los Angeles, we jumped at the idea. Yes, that part of the world has a great jazz heritage (think Dave Brubeck/Chet Baker/Etta James), but the allure was more related to the lifestyle that this itinerary suggested – jazz, wine, great food, beautiful cities and countryside.

For Journey of Jazz, Marcus will use the first night of the cruise to complete the mission he has started over the years. Participating will be his co-host, Gregory Porter, the amazing Dee Dee Bridgewater, Music Director Eric Marienthal and a whole host of top musicians. As for additional insights to the history of jazz, the cruise features the Brubeck Brothers and Ravi Coltrane. Now there is some serious jazz history ready to be shared.

Journey of Jazz features a top lineup of female vocalists as well. In proving that point, in reviewing a recent list of the 25 greatest female jazz singers of all time, 20 are deceased. Of the five remaining, two are sailing on Journey of Jazz. We have mentioned Dee Dee Bridgewater, the talented vocalist and actress who has earned three GRAMMY® Awards, a Tony and induction as an NEA Jazz Master. The other is Diana Krall. To date the top-selling female jazz singer of the 21st Century, this three-time GRAMMY® winner, from British Columbia, combines a sultry voice with dexterous piano skills. For the record, another is Dianne Reeves, who is not on Journey of Jazz, but this 5-time GRAMMY® winner has sailed on our programs for years.

The remaining two living female jazz vocalists in the top 25 are Norah Jones and Madeleine Peyroux. Maybe one day. Journey of Jazz also features 3X GRAMMY® Award winning Cécile McLorin Salvant, whose place on the list of the Top 25 will be secured with time. And, of course, one of our favorite vocalists, Niki Haris, who cannot be defined by any single genre, will be onboard in several capacities.

In keeping with the theme of “journey,” for the first time in more than a decade Signature Cruise Experiences is curating its own excursions. For a complete list of special land-based events, click HERE and our favorite comic, Alonzo Bodden, will walk you through the choices. For those seeking the shorthand version, guests will be able to purchase tickets for a Warren Wolf show in Victoria along with several other offerings, including whale watching. While we are in San Francisco for two full days (one night), we are producing a special show at the famous SFJAZZ theater featuring the legendary Ron Carter with his quartet (Renee Rosnes, Jimmy Greene, Payton Crossley).  Famous food critic, Michael Bauer, will be your guide for dining opportunities including San Francisco’s #1 dim sum restaurant.

For the adventurous, we will have tours of wineries in Napa and Sonoma and guests can spend the day on the Napa Valley Wine Train. One train has already sold out, but we have managed to secure another one. Again, check out offerings, make your selection and get ready to enjoy your excursions. Recently, someone asked us the following question “with all these amazing excursions, will there be less music on the cruise?” The answer is a resounding “NO!” Journey of Jazz has a full schedule of music every late afternoon and night when in port and all day when we are at sea.

The only activity that will be less than our other cruises will be sleeping. Not much time for that.

Finally, though some staterooms with balconies remain, most of the available staterooms are Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. These staterooms are the least expensive on the ship, but, to provide as many jazz fans as possible with the opportunity to sail on this amazing journey, for the time being, we are lowering the price of those staterooms even more. This Special Offer for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms will not last long, so we urge you to call the office or go online to take advantage. Use the Promo Code: JOURNEY.

As you can see, I am as excited about this cruise as any we have ever produced. Great music. Great excursions. Great Journey!

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, Homecoming: The Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

What’s Hot?

McBride B2B The Jazz Cruise
Christian McBride's World at Sea and The Jazz Cruise '26

Scheduling the inaugural sailing of Christian McBride’s World at Sea (CMW) back-to-back (B2B) with The Jazz Cruise ’26 (TJC ’26) was meant to create a one-of-a-kind two-week jazz vacation. CMW ends on January 27, 2026 at 7AM ET. TJC ’26 starts boarding four hours later. Guests on both may remain onboard or spend some time in Ft. Lauderdale until we sail that afternoon.

Evidently, the message was clear and well received!

Hundreds of guests have decided to take advantage of this opportunity and have reserved a stateroom on both sailings! There is still time to complete what we call our Jazz Double Play.

Completing the Jazz Double Play

If you have a reservation on either CMW or TJC ‘26, please call the office to see if we can place you in that same stateroom for the other cruise. It may be that we switch your current reservation to keep both reservations with the same stateroom. If that cannot be done, no worries, Celebrity Cruises’ staff will move you to your new stateroom in minutes.

If you do not have a reservation for CMW or TJC ’26, you can call the office or go online to complete your reservation. Again, if you cannot reserve the same stateroom for both sailings, we have you covered! 

Jazz Double Play Benefits

Besides the opportunity to spend two weeks enjoying the music of more than 170 world class jazz musicians, guests who go for the Jazz Double Play are entitled to the following special benefits:
 

  • Transition Day Brunch – January 27, 2026
  • Reserved Seating for CMW Main Show Events
  • Your Cruise Status is applied to both cruises and, to help cover your expenses, you will receive an onboard credit which you may use in any way you wish during the two weeks of sailing. The amount of the onboard credit/person is as follows:
    • Suite: $500
    • Conciere/AquaClass/Veranda: $400
    • Ocean View/Inside: $300

Jazz Double Play by the Numbers

Days of Cruising14
Number of Musicians170+
Hours of Music400+
Memorable MomentsCountless

Butler, Bodden Elliot at the 3rd Annual Desert Jazz Festival

THE DESERT JAZZ FESTIVAL THE WEEKENDER

Artists from the Signature Cruise Experiences’ family will be gracing the stage for the 3rd annual Desert Jazz Festival located in Rancho Mirage, CA in the beautiful Coachella Valley October 2-5, 2025. This full VIP experience is a 3-night, 4-day event filled with music, comedy, food, golf, pickleball and community all nestled within the gorgeous San Jacinto mountains.  

In addition to the stellar talent highlighted there will also be concerts featuring the extraordinary vocals of Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle with more to be announced soon.

For a limited time, anyone who has sailed on any of our cruises in ’24 or ’25 will get 10% off using exclusive code DJFSC10 (valid until April 16th). 

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Spring Jazz Festivals

With April coming, we’ll soon be seeing not only showers and flowers, but also a flurry of jazz festivals.  Here are details on several (listed in chronological order) that will be featuring artists from our Signature Cruise Experiences programs.

Denver Jazz Fest

Denver Jazz Festival

Date: April 3-6
Location: Various venues, Denver, CO
Lineup: Dianne Reeves & Romero Lubambo, Charles McPherson & Terell Stafford, Bill Frisell, Joe Lovano, others

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Earl Klugh’s Weekend of Jazz at the Broadmoor

Date: April 3-5
Location: The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO
Lineup: Earl Klugh, Bob James, Brian Culbertson, Eric Darius, Damien Escobar, Leslie Odom, Jr., others

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Earl Klugh Weekend of Jazz at the Broadmoor
BERKS JAZZ FEST
Berks Jazz Fest 

Date: April 4-13
Location: Various venues, Reading, PA
Lineup: Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Gerald Albright, Rick Braun & Richard Elliot, David Sanborn Tribute – sponsored by Signature Cruise Experiences and The Smooth Jazz Cruise, others

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Alexander Zonjic’s Cabin Fever Jazz Festival
 

Date: April 5
Location: Southfield Pavillion, Southfield, MI
Lineup: Alexander Zonjic, Keiko Matsui, Peter White, Lin Rountree, Angela Davis

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Alexander Zonjic

Charleston Jazz Festival
Charleston Jazz Festival

Date: April 21-29
Location: Various venues, Charleston, SC
Lineup: Paquito D’Rivera, Jazzmeia Horn, Terence Blanchard, Donald Harrison, others

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Seabreeze Jazz Festival


Date: April 23-27
Location: Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater, Panama City Beach, FL
Lineup: Gerald Albright, Brian Culbertson, Boney James, Najee, Eric Darius, Norman Brown, Vincent Ingala, others

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Seabreeze Jazz Festival

Stateroom Availability

Having been at sea for four weeks, we thought it best to share what is new with respect to our next 9 cruise programs and to highlight special offers for select programs.

Cruise Programs 2025

Journey of Jazz ’25Nearly 85% Reserved. Balcony Staterooms Available – Special Pricing for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms (Lowest Price Ever – Promo Code JOURNEY)

Cruise Programs 2026

Homecoming: The CruiseOpen Booking Now; For Special Prices on Staterooms, use Promo Code:  HTC
Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26Open Booking Now; For Special Prices for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms, use Promo Code:  CMW
The Jazz Cruise ’26Open Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.196% Reserved – Open Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2Fully Reserved
Top Shelf Country CruiseOver 8,000 Pre-Sail Reservations Received

Open Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.376% Reserved – Open Booking Now
Botti at Sea ’26Open Booking Now

Hot Offers

Ocean View and Inside Staterooms are available on Journey of Jazz ’25. You can reserve an Inside Stateroom on the cruise for under $2,000/person and there are special prices for Ocean View staterooms. Reservations may be completed online or by calling the office and are based upon double occupancy, available for new reservations only and non-commissionable. Further, this discount may not be combined with any other offer (Promo Code: JOURNEY).

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES

Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Promotional pricing is available on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code JOURNEY for significant savings*! Exciting land-based concerts and excursions are also available! *Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

HOMECOMING THE CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Join us for a celebration of HBCUs and inspired by the tradition of the Divine Nine Challenge from recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), this cruise will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. For the best available prices on all Stateroom Categories, use promo code HTC during the booking process. Reserve Your Stateroom Today! 

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDES WORLD AT SEA SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

9X GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride will host our newest Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! The cruise will feature legions of musicians who comprise the various ensembles that are the hallmarks of Christian’s music world AND first-class comedy talent. See the full lineup here!

Right now, special pricing is available for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. To save, use the promo code CMW during the reservation process. Open Booking has begun! Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
Open Booking Now Available!

Hailed as “Jazz Heaven” by musicians and guests alike, The Jazz Cruise ’26 lineup will feature some of the most iconic musicians from the straight-ahead jazz genre. See the full lineup here. Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!  

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES

Open Booking Now Available

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 95% reserved. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist. Reserve your stateroom today!

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Top Shelf Country Cruise Signature Cruise Experiences
Open Booking Now Available

The inaugural sailing will feature headline artist Keith Urban and widely popular personalities from iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, led by Bobby Bones himself. Top Shelf Country Cruise is now in Open Booking! Anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation. Guests are not required to submit a Pre-Sail Reservation and may proceed directly to the Stateroom Selection process. Reserve your stateroom today!

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
Open Booking Now Available

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast, embarking in Vancouver, sailing to Victoria and San Francisco before disembarking in Los Angeles. Exciting land excursions will be available in the ports-of-call! The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. 

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CHRIS BOTTI AT SEA SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES

Open Booking Now Available

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. Of course, Chris Botti will be there with his very talented band and, as always, we will fill the remaining performance slots with a variety of great music, comedy and more.  Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

Send us Your Mug Shot

We know many readers of The Weekender like to peruse each edition over their morning coffee. And, if you’ve sailed with us, you likely have at least one (or perhaps many) Signature Cruise Experiences mugs just for that purpose. Over the years, The Weekender has featured several pictures of cruisers showing off their mugs, pictures we affectionately refer to as “Mug Shots.”

If you want to share your “Mug Shot” with the 100,000+ readers who receive The Weekender each Saturday, email a photo of yourself and your mug to mugshot@scecruises.com. Who knows? You may just see yourself in a future edition.

Mug Shots

Mug Shot The Weekender Signature Cruise Experiences


Linda M.
North Carolina


Tag us @thejazzcruise, @bottiatsea, @thesmoothjazzcruise, #signaturecruiseexperiences and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.

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]]> OUR TAKE: G.O.A.T. & Mt. Rushmore Candidates https://scecruises.com/2024/09/14/our-take-g-o-a-t-mt-rushmore-candidates/ Sat, 14 Sep 2024 18:20:30 +0000 https://www.jazzcruisesllc.com/?p=6952 As a sucker for any list that purports to list the “Top 20” of anything or anyone, I am surprised that we have never undertaken such a list for the performers on our cruises and other jazz musicians. For anyone wondering what is meant by G.O.A.T. and Mt. Rushmore candidates, the first stands for the […]

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]]> As a sucker for any list that purports to list the “Top 20” of anything or anyone, I am surprised that we have never undertaken such a list for the performers on our cruises and other jazz musicians. For anyone wondering what is meant by G.O.A.T. and Mt. Rushmore candidates, the first stands for the Greatest of All Time and the second is a reference to the South Dakota mountainside sculptures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. That landmark is the reference point for the Best 4 of any particular endeavor, sport or undertaking.

With that said, I am interested in what our readers and guests believe to be G.O.A.T. (“Greatest of All Time”) of the world of “straight ahead” jazz and the G.O.A.T. (“Greatest of All Time”) of “smooth jazz,” as well as the Mt. Rushmore of various instruments and vocals. So that we can compile the results and share them with everyone, we ask that you use the attached form to make your selections. 

Our staff met this week to discuss whether selections should include:

(a) Active or Passed Musicians
(b) Musicians who have sailed with us or not
(c) Selection of Individuals from Performing Groups

Active or Passed Musicians. 
Jazz fans are often criticized for paying more attention to Musicians who have passed than those who are actively performing. The purpose of this selection process is not to anoint Miles Davis or Grover Washington, Jr. Folks like them are firmly established and do not require further exaltation.

We do, however, want to recognize any performer who has performed on one of our cruise programs, whether they are active or passed. To put some names to this category, alto players Jeff Clayton and David Sanborn are fair game for selection.

Musicians Who Have Sailed With Us or Not.
Though we like to think that every great jazz musician has performed on our cruise, there are several amazing performers who, for whatever reason, have not joined us at sea. Let’s add them to our selection process. If one or more performers in that category receive a significant number of votes, we will endeavor to add them for a future sailing.

Selection of Individual from Performing Groups.
Some of the most significant musicians on our cruises began as being part of a Performing Group. The ever-popular Anat Cohen first appeared on The Jazz Cruise as part of George Wein’s band. Patches Stewart has become a fixture on The Smooth Jazz Cruise, but he first joined us as part of Marcus Miller’s band. Feel free to pick out a performer who may not be performing on his/her own right now but is a prominent musician in your mind.

So ends our instructions. Some may ask why are we doing this exercise? Several reasons. Filling out lists like this is fun. Spending a few minutes mulling over who are your favorite jazz musicians sounds like a good thing to do all by itself. 

Full disclosure, we will use the results here to gauge once again which musicians pique the interest of our guests. We think we know, but once in a while we need to test our observations and instincts. Making sure that we are presenting the musicians that you want to see and hear is paramount.

Anecdotal information is persuasive, even if it is simply counting the number of guests who attend our various performances, But, every once in a while, taking stock with hard numbers is best. Plus, our staff has created at least 16 different betting opportunities for us. The over/under as to how many of you will respond is the most hotly contested.

Start picking!

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea and Journey of Jazz. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

FILL OUT YOUR G.O.A.T. FORM!

Signature Cruise Experiences

We have formed a new entity to produce some of our upcoming cruise programs, Signature Cruise Experiences. As the name suggests, Signature Cruise Experiences will feature cruise programs outside of our current music repertoire. Stay tuned for more information about these exciting new programs.

Jazz Cruises will continue to be the flagship title for The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Botti at Sea, Journey of Jazz and, hint hint, another jazz cruise program soon to be announced.

Update: The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2

The excitement for The Smooth Cruise ’26.1 & ’26.2 has been amazing.

Guests on the ’25 Cruises are exercising their exclusive right to rebook their current staterooms for a ’26 Cruise and more than 1,200 guests not sailing on a ’25 Cruise have completed Pre-Sale Reservations establishing their priority to select a stateroom and complete a reservation.

These steps have some important dates coming up very soon!

Guests Sailing on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25.1/’25.2:

Your exclusive right to rebook your current stateroom for a ’26 Cruise ends on September 15. Beginning on Monday, September 16, unreserved staterooms will be placed back into available inventory. With 1,200 guests eligible to select a stateroom shortly, we urge those who wish to sail on a ’26 Cruise to complete their rebooking before the end of the day on September 15.

Guests who completed Pre-Sale Reservations for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1/’26.2:

•    These guests were sent reservation procedure information on Thursday, September 12. If you have not received that information yet, please email or call us at 844.616.6279.
•    Starting on September 19, the first of several groups holding a Pre-Sale Reservation will start to select staterooms and complete their reservations. This process will continue until Open Booking begins on October 17.

As always, The Smooth Jazz Cruise is in demand. The rules for securing your reservation are clearly described. If you have any questions, though, give us a call. Otherwise, the procedure is in your hands.

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Upcoming Jazz Festivals

There are a few jazz festivals that are happening next month in October and
that feature artists associated with Jazz Cruises programs (in chronological order).

Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival

October 10-13, 17-20 – Avalon Ballroom, Catalina Island, CA
Featuring Candy Dulfer, Rick Braun & Richard Elliot, Peter White,
Mindi Abair, Vincent Ingala, Marcus Anderson and more.

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Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival

October 17-20 – Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Featuring Brian Culbertson, Bob James, Najee, Norman Brown, John Pizzarelli,
Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui and more.

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Exit Zero Jazz Festival

October 25-27 – Cape May Convention Center, Cape May, NJ
Featuring Christian McBride & Ursa Major, Dee Dee Bridgewater
and Bill Charlap, The Cookers, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS and more.

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Monterey Jazz Festival

Experience the Monterey Jazz Festival set against the breathtaking backdrop of Monterey, California. One of the world’s longest-running jazz festivals, this iconic event has hosted legendary performers like Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie and Dave Brubeck since 1958. Don’t miss the 67th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival September 27 – 29, featuring 350 artists across five stages, including Samara Joy, Blind Boys of Alabama, Mavis Staples, Hiromi, Stanley Clarke and more. For tickets and details, visit https://montereyjazzfestival.org.

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Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

THE JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE JAZZ CRUISES

The Jazz Cruise ’25
FULLY RESERVED
Celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary

The Jazz Cruise ’25 is fully reserved. Since the cruise does
not sail for several months, there will be cancellations and staterooms will become available. Stateroom vacancies are filled from the Waitlist, which is not lengthy right now. If you wish to sail on The Jazz Cruise ’25, we urge you to JOIN WAITLIST now.  

Stay tuned for the launch of The Jazz Cruise ’26. Most of the lineup has been secured, so we should be announcing the details of the cruise in mid to late October.

JOIN WAITLIST
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE JAZZ CRUISES

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2
Lineup Just Announced!
’25 Sailings Fully Reserved

Both sailings for 2025 are fully reserved and the Waitlist has more than 4,000 entrants. Through Sunday, guests sailing on a ’25 Cruise are eligible to rebook their current staterooms for a ’26 Cruise.

Guests not sailing in ’25 who wish to sail in ’26 are encouraged to go to www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com and complete a Pre-Sale Reservation for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26. Doing so is the best way to establish your priority for a stateroom on those sailings.

JOIN PRE-SALE

Botti at Sea ’25
Every Night is a Night on the Town
New Performers Announced – Diana Krall and Peter Cincotti

Botti at Sea ’25 is more than 90% reserved. Act NOW to reserve one of the remaining staterooms. Veranda, Ocean View, and Inside Staterooms are available in limited quantities

BOOK NOW

Journey of Jazz ’25
Jazz Life at Sea & On Land 
Reserve Now – Excursions Menu Available Soon 

Jazz Cruises’ newest program, Journey of Jazz, hosted by Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter, is in Open Booking. Though not sailing for 12 months, the cruise is more than 65% reserved. Menu of land-based excursions in Victoria and San Francisco has been announced.

Check out Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Shows and more (https://journeyofjazz.com/excursions/). Reserve your stateroom now to be eligible for events at that time. 

BOOK NOW

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Mug Shots of the Week

SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES MUG SHOTS
Linda S. – Massachusetts
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES MUG SHOTS
Mimi T. – Missouri

Guests on the ’24 jazz cruises received The Weekender mug, which we hope you will use with your Saturday morning coffee while you read the latest edition. Please share a picture of yourself & your mug with us so that we can include it for the 100,000+ folks who receive The Weekender each Saturday.

Tag us @thejazzcruise @bottiatsea @thesmoothjazzcruise #jazzcruises and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.

Main story

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]]> OUR TAKE: Let’s Talk Vocals https://scecruises.com/2024/06/08/our-take-lets-talk-vocals/ Sat, 08 Jun 2024 15:40:00 +0000 https://www.jazzcruisesllc.com/?p=6128 Recently, I checked out the lineup for our very first cruise as Jazz Cruises, The Jazz Cruise 2001. Dee Dee Bridgewater was the headliner vocalist for this landmark event, which infamously sailed just a few weeks after the 9/11 tragedy. Dee Dee will reprise her history of performing on inaugural sailings when she joins Marcus Miller […]

The post OUR TAKE: Let’s Talk Vocals appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

]]> Recently, I checked out the lineup for our very first cruise as Jazz Cruises, The Jazz Cruise 2001. Dee Dee Bridgewater was the headliner vocalist for this landmark event, which infamously sailed just a few weeks after the 9/11 tragedy. Dee Dee will reprise her history of performing on inaugural sailings when she joins Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter on the first sailing of Journey of Jazz (9.12.25 – 9.19.25). On the 2001 sailing, Dee Dee was one of very few vocalists in the lineup. The Jazz Cruise ’25 features Dianne Reeves, Catherine Russell, Ann Hampton Callaway, Niki Haris, Clint Holmes, John Pizzarelli, Bria Skonberg & Benny Benack III. The history of vocalists on the programs of Jazz Cruises is worth discussing.

In addition to Dee Dee, the first sailing of The Jazz Cruise presented Ken Peplowski, Houston Person, Wycliffe Gordon, John Clayton and a few other musicians who continue to join us on an annual basis. The balance of the lineup were largely musicians who are no longer with us. Red Holloway, Keter Betts, Eddie Higgins and Joey DeFrancesco were stars of that cruise that have passed. Then there is a list of musicians who, for one reason or another, are no longer part of the rotation. From the beginning, however, there were no female musicians and very few vocalists.

The first sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise (2004) was even more voiceless. Jonathan Butler was the only vocalist and there were no female performers of any kind. 2005 saw the addition of Oleta Adams, thereby doubling the number of singers and breaking through the male only lineup barrier. Finding vocalists to join Jonathan over the years has been a challenge. The list of performers is long and distinguished, but, for whatever reason, very few resonated with our guests. Chaka Khan, Ledisi, Brian McKnight, Chante Moore, Jon Secada, Jody Watley, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, Maysa, Angie Stone and others took a turn on The Smooth Jazz Cruise bandstand. Though they were at the tail end of their careers, we were fortunate enough to present the legendary Natalie Cole and Al Jarreau.

To this day, finding the right vocal fit for The Smooth Jazz Cruise has been challenging. Those that have been successful on a consistent basis are George Benson, Jeffrey Osborne and Larry Braggs. With George performing on a limited basis now, and given the challenge of performing on a cruise ship, it is unlikely that we will be able to present him on further cruises. Jeffrey’s popularity was proven when our 20th Anniversary Pick the Artists Poll named him the #1 vocalist with a vote total that was greater than all other nominees together. 

Ms. Monet is back for ’25 after a successful debut. And one of our stars of the early sailings, Patti Austin, has graciously agreed to be the voice of The Summit, our Super Band. Judith Hill will be making her debut and both Jonathan and Larry will be singing your favorite tunes.

MS MONET
Ms. Monet

The addition of more vocalists on The Jazz Cruise and The Smooth Jazz Cruise over the years reflects several considerations. First, we have found that many vocalists are prepared to perform with one of our bands or a combination of their music director, most often a piano player, and our musicians. Second, adding vocals to our lineups has been well received by our guests. Listening to tunes they know being presented by top voices has enriched the cruise experience, broadened the audiences and enlivened the programming. Finding the “right” singers, however, remains a challenge, particularly for The Smooth Jazz Cruise.

Botti at Sea II is intended to offer the broadest array of talent and programming, so vocalists abound. With at least one more significant vocalist addition to be announced soon, this cruise boasts Katharine McPhee, Corinne Bailey Rae, esperanza spalding, Morgan James, Thana Alexa, Mindi Abair and Benny Benack III.

Journey of Jazz ’25 follows suit with Gregory Porter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack III.

The art of jazz remains dominated by instrumentalists sharing the bandstand. There is no plan or reason to believe that our cruises will depart from that foundation, nor should it. One way to look at our programming is to assess the volume of music. In reviewing the history of our cruises, the hours of vocals have not been added at the expense of instrumental presentation. Instead, vocals account for the expanse of our programming. The total number of instrumental music on The Jazz Cruise ’25 is no less (actually greater) than it was in ’01. The total number of hours of music, though, has increased dramatically, directly related to the addition of vocals and special shows.

That is our story, and we will sing (and play) it from the top of the mountain down to the sea. After all, Jazz Cruises is the Gold Standard of Music at Sea Since 2001.

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, and Journey of Jazz. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

STL JAZZ FEST

STL Jazz Fest 1-Day Tickets Available Now!

STL JAZZ FEST
STL JAZZ FEST BRIAN CULBERTSON
Let Brian Culbertson tell you why
this is a can’t- miss event!

1-Day tickets for STL Jazz Fest are now on sale!
For details about the festival and information on how to purchase tickets, see below: 

STL Jazz Fest
Produced by Jazz Cruises
The Factory – Chesterfield (St. Louis) Missouri

Friday, August 23, 2024
Eric Marienthal Quintet, featuring Niki Haris
The Comedy of Alonzo Bodden
GREGORY PORTER

Saturday, August 24, 2024
Mindi Abair with Eric Marienthal & Friends
The Comedy of Alonzo Bodden
BRIAN CULBERTSON

Doors 6 PM | Showtime 7 PM

FRIDAY TICKETS
SATURDAY TICKETS
LIMITED 2-DAY TICKETS REMAINING

Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festivals

Vail Jazz Party

VAIL JAZZ PARTY

Our friends at Vail Jazz are continuing the tradition established by the late Howard Stone, whose curation and leadership set the tone for this festival, as well as for the education programs offered by the organization.

The Vail Jazz Party, a three-day event held Aug. 30-Sep.1 at the Manor Vail Lodge Jazz Tent, is a veritable The Jazz Cruise on Land with headliners such as Ann Hampton Callaway, Niki Haris, John Clayton, Lewis Nash, Terell Stafford, Wycliffe Gordon, Dick Oatts and Bill Cunliffe. Niki even hosts a Gospel Show on Sunday.

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Detroit Jazz Festival

DETROIT JAZZ FESTIVAL

This sprawling free event is held over the four-day weekend downtown in the city that claims some ownership of the labor movement. Originally founded in 1980, the 2024 edition of the Detroit Jazz Festival features many artists who have appeared on our Jazz Cruises programs, including Christian McBride, Monty Alexander, Warren Wolf, Chief Adjuah, Billy Childs with Sean Jones, Isaiah J. Thompson, Nate Smith and Marquis Hill. Drummer Brian Blade is the artist in residence and will perform multiple sets with his Fellowship band.

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DC Jazz Festival

DC JAZZ FESTIVAL

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this festival in our nation’s capital features a hybrid of free and paid concerts, with the main event being a series of outdoor concerts Aug. 31 and Sep. 1 at the Wharf, as well as some shows at the nearby Anthem venue. Headliners include several Jazz Cruises favorites such as Samara Joy, Dianne Reeves, Kenny Barron, James Morrison, Ron Carter Trio and the Emmet Cohen Trio with Houston Person. In addition, the festival hosts the DCJazzPrix International Band Competition, with the winning group receiving a $15,000 prize and a yearlong association with the DC Jazz Festival

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Jazz Cruises’ ’25 Programs

THE JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
The Jazz Cruise ’25
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary

The plans for the 25th Anniversary sailing of The Jazz Cruise ’25 are spectacular. The cruise is over 90% reserved and is currently in Open Booking, which means that now anyone may reserve any available stateroom. Staterooms with Verandas remain in inventory along with Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.

BOOK NOW
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2
Starting its 3rd Decade

With both sailings being fully reserved, guests wishing to sail on a ’25 sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise should JOIN WAITLIST now. Cancellations will be filled exclusively from the WAITLIST. WAITLIST guests qualify for special terms when reserving a stateroom on The Jazz Cruise ’25 or Botti at Sea II.

JOIN WAITLIST
BOTTI AT SEA SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
Botti at Sea ’25
Every Night is a Night on the Town

Botti at Sea ‘25 is in the Open Booking stage and is over 60% reserved. Anyone may reserve any available stateroom either by calling the office during regular business hours or doing so online. It was this time last year that there was a “run” on staterooms, so act now! 

BOOK NOW
JOURNEY OF JAZZ SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
Journey of Jazz ’25
Jazz Life at Sea & On Land 
West Coast Style 

Jazz Cruises’ newest program, Journey of Jazz ’25, hosted by Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter, has completed the Pre-Sale process and began Open Booking on April 30, 2024. Like a race care, this program as gone from 0 – 60(%) sold in the blink of an eye. 

BOOK NOW

Mug Shots of the Week

MUG SHOTS THE WEEKENDER SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
Tom and Carol M.
Missouri
MUG SHOTS THE WEEKENDER SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
Clarence G.
Texas

Guests on the ’24 jazz cruises received The Weekender mug, which we hope you will use with your Saturday morning coffee while you read the latest edition. Please share a picture of yourself & your mug with us so that we can include it for the 100,000+ folks who receive The Weekender each Saturday.

Tag us @thejazzcruise @bottiatsea @thesmoothjazzcruise #jazzcruises and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.

The post OUR TAKE: Let’s Talk Vocals appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

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