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		<title>Jazz Notes: 2.4.26</title>
		<link>https://scecruises.com/2026/02/04/jazz-notes-2-4-26/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kim Kelley]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:19:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Jazz Notes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KEN PEPLOWSKI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEE MERGNER]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MICHAEL LAZAROFF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THE JAZZ CRUISE]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://scecruises.com/?p=9834</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Never Without a Laugh or a Smile: Remembering Ken Peplowski It’s rare that we have to give bad news to for our guests and the community at large. But on February 1st, the final day of The Jazz Cruise &#8217;26, Ken Peplowski died suddenly. Ken was 66.The cause of his death has yet to be [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://scecruises.com/2026/02/04/jazz-notes-2-4-26/">Jazz Notes: 2.4.26</a> appeared first on <a href="https://scecruises.com">Signature Cruise Experiences</a>.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><strong>Never Without a Laugh or a Smile: <br><strong>Remembering Ken Peplowski</strong></strong></h2>



<p>It’s rare that we have to give bad news to for our guests and the community at large. But on February 1st, the final day of <em>The Jazz Cruise &#8217;26</em>, <strong>Ken Peplowski </strong>died suddenly. Ken was 66.The cause of his death has yet to be determined.<br><br>Since 2021, the clarinetist / saxophonist / bandleader had been suffering from multiple myeloma. He battled the often fatal disease with a unique combination of courage, fortitude and humor. After all, humor was just one of Ken’s many remarkable gifts. He was without question the quickest and sharpest wit amongst all our artists. Ken always brought joy to every gig or occasion. No one came away from a conversation with him without a laugh or smile. His humor was both incisive and self-deprecating. He would as easily make fun of you as he would himself. A truly rare combination.<br><br>Ken earned the respect of his fellow musicians because of his dedication to the craft. As a musician, his virtuosity on the clarinet may have only been surpassed in his time by his close friends <strong>Anat Cohen </strong>and <strong>Paquito D’Rivera</strong>. Though both would argue that point, it was fitting that his last days were spent playing with those two.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="527" height="640" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ken-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9838" style="aspect-ratio:0.8234652709628176;width:275px;height:auto" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ken-1.jpg 527w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ken-1-247x300.jpg 247w" sizes="(max-width: 527px) 100vw, 527px" /></figure>



<p>Ken, who worked with <strong>Benny Goodman</strong>, said that the legendary clarinetist and <strong>Artie Shaw </strong>had a huge rivalry. “Those days are gone now, because we realize there&#8217;s few enough of us, so we need to support each other and just get up there and have fun.” Indeed, when I introduced him during this sailing of <em>The Jazz Cruise</em>, I said that we had the three greatest clarinetists of our time onboard. He said quipped, “Well, we have Anat and Paquito, so who’s the third one?”&nbsp;<br><br>Ken was also a remarkable tenor saxophonist, with a soft and fluid sound that was influenced by <strong>Zoot Sims</strong>, <strong>Stan Getz</strong>, <strong>Ben Webster </strong>and many other tenor greats. “For me, I spend most of my time practicing on clarinet, because that&#8217;s the more unforgiving instrument,” Ken told me. “The technique transfers over to the saxophone. When I pick the saxophone up, it&#8217;s all about reminding myself of what I want it to sound like. I&#8217;m not saying I achieved this, but my goal for sound on tenor would be people like Ben Webster and Zoot Sims.” Ken reached that goal, as evidenced well documented on the more than 50 recordings he released as a leader on various jazz labels. Buy them. <a href="https://sail.scecruises.com/c/1xOeWxohjPq7Mg0Z77FnlKVzmDkZ">Stream them</a>. Listen to them. You won’t be disappointed.</p>



<p>During a Listening Party on <em>The Jazz Cruise </em>this week, he spotlighted his most recent album, <em>Unheard Bird</em>. He was so proud of what he had produced with the previously unreleased arrangements for saxophone and strings that <strong>Charlie Parker</strong> had commissioned before his untimely death in 1955. Every August during the last few years, Ken presented material from that project at Birdland, a venue which he would return to year after year.<br><br>Ken was also an amateur musicologist with a vast knowledge not only of jazz history, but also of non-jazz genres. He may have been one of the most knowledgeable <strong>Beatles </strong>fans that you could meet. He could tell you just about anything from their seminal recordings. If you were good friends with him, you could receive various bootleg recordings from those golden years. Who woulda thunk that a guy so associated with mainstream jazz had that in his quiver?<br><br>In the coming days, weeks, months and years, you will hear tributes galore to Ken’s musical genius and personal qualities. Below is a short note from <strong>Michael Lazaroff</strong>, Executive Director of Signature Cruise Experiences, about his memories of Ken.<br><br>For myself, I considered Ken a good friend, someone with whom I could pick up the phone and talk to for an hour or so about life, music, politics, sports, comedy, literature, film…well, you get the idea. He was a friend to me, but he was a friend to many people. That was clear when he went public with his illness and the jazz community, including fans and fellow musicians,&nbsp;came forward during his time of need with support (both economic and emotional). It was the least that we could do for someone who gave us so much joy for so long.<br><br>Let us all remember Ken with a laugh and a smile.</p>



<p><em>Lee Mergner<br><em>Jazz Consultant</em></em></p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="698" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Day-6_TJC_Ken-Peplowski_JA_134-1024x698.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9840" style="width:816px;height:auto" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Day-6_TJC_Ken-Peplowski_JA_134-1024x698.jpg 1024w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Day-6_TJC_Ken-Peplowski_JA_134-300x205.jpg 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Day-6_TJC_Ken-Peplowski_JA_134-768x524.jpg 768w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Day-6_TJC_Ken-Peplowski_JA_134-1536x1047.jpg 1536w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Day-6_TJC_Ken-Peplowski_JA_134.jpg 1549w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><br><strong>Ken Peplowski &#8211; Behold the Entertainer</strong></h3>



<p>Separating Ken Peplowski from <em>The Jazz Cruise</em> in my mind, is nearly impossible. I cannot remember any sailing of <em>The Jazz Cruise </em>that did not include Ken. The good reason is that there were none. Whether it was the Welcome Show, <em>The Jazz Cruise </em>Hall of Fame Show, Name that Tune or his legendary performances with <strong>Anita Berry’s Big Band</strong>, Ken was always front and center, someone who engaged the audience with a laundry list of self-effacing jokes, contrived puns, and enough “Dad” jokes to fill a book.<br><br>Not quite <strong>Henny Youngman</strong>, but neither was he <strong>David Letterman</strong>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ken-Peplowski-cl-ts-7-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9837" style="width:412px;height:auto" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ken-Peplowski-cl-ts-7-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ken-Peplowski-cl-ts-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ken-Peplowski-cl-ts-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ken-Peplowski-cl-ts-7-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ken-Peplowski-cl-ts-7-2048x1364.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Photo Credit&nbsp;Goffredo Loertscher</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>But the humor ended when the music started. I do not know any musician who respected the bandstand more than Ken. He was always prepared, loved performing with his fellow musicians, and, man, could he play! His dedication to excellence and professionalism was integral to who he was.<br><br>So when Ken did not show up for a 4 PM show that featured <strong>Shelly Berg</strong>, one of his closest friends and colleagues, you knew that something was wrong. Our worst fears were soon confirmed. Ken had died.<br><br>Personally, very little of this has sunk in yet. Over time, I will grasp what happened and try to rationalize and understand the travails that Ken was enduring. No matter how hard you try, you cannot walk in another man’s shoes. You can empathize and console, but you are the third party in this triangle of person and tragedy.<br><br>Sometime in August, we will open a spreadsheet and begin to program <em>The Jazz Cruise ’27</em>. All those spaces that are customarily filled with the initials “KP” will need to be addressed. Trust me, no one can fill those spaces like Ken did. He was a friend, a great musician and one of the very best entertainers ever.<br><br><em>Michael Lazaroff<br>Executive Director</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://scecruises.com/2026/02/04/jazz-notes-2-4-26/">Jazz Notes: 2.4.26</a> appeared first on <a href="https://scecruises.com">Signature Cruise Experiences</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Jazz Notes: 12.17.25</title>
		<link>https://scecruises.com/2025/12/17/jazz-notes-12-17-25/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kim Kelley]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 03:28:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Jazz Notes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BRIA SKONBERG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bruce lundvall visionary award]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JAZZ CRUISES CONVERSATION PODCAST]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JAZZ NOTES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JOURNEY OF JAZZ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEE MERGNER]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THE JAZZ CRUISE]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://scecruises.com/?p=9659</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What a thrill when one of our favorite team members is honored. Lee Mergner, our Jazz Consultant, will become the 10th recipient of the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award on January 7 in a ceremony to be held at Jazz at Lincoln Center.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://scecruises.com/2025/12/17/jazz-notes-12-17-25/">Jazz Notes: 12.17.25</a> appeared first on <a href="https://scecruises.com">Signature Cruise Experiences</a>.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><strong>Congratulations, Lee Mergner, <br><strong>2026 Recipient of the</strong> <strong>Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award!</strong></strong></h3>



<p>What a thrill when one of our favorite team members is honored. <strong>Lee Mergner</strong>, our Jazz Consultant, will become the 10th recipient of the <strong>Bruce Lundvall </strong>Visionary Award on January 7 in a ceremony to be held at Jazz at Lincoln Center.<br><br>The award was created in 2014 in honor of Bruce Lundvall, the longtime jazz record executive who was a champion and advocate for so many jazz artists over the last four decades. The annual award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and vision in expanding the audience for jazz and has made a difference for artists, the music and audience.<br><br>Previous award recipients include <strong>Randall Kline</strong>, <strong>Brice Rosenbloom</strong>, <strong>Christian McBride</strong>, <strong>Terri Lyne Carrington</strong>, <strong>Darlene Chan</strong>, <strong>Barry Harris</strong>, <strong>Danilo Perez</strong>, <strong>Dee Dee Bridgewater</strong> and <strong>John Clayton</strong>.<br><br>For more than 30 years, Lee served as an editor and publisher of <em>JazzTimes</em>, which won numerous ASCAP-Deems Taylor awards for music journalism. The publication was founded in 1970 and was described by <em>All Music Guide </em>as “arguably the finest jazz magazine in the world.” Lee remains an at-large contributor to the publication for which he’s written hundreds of profiles and stories.<br><br>Lee founded Jazz Connect Conference and has been instrumental in the development of Jazz Congress as well as several other jazz industry organizations. In addition to his invaluable daily contributions to our operations at Signature Cruise Experiences, Lee is also the lead writer for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s concert programs. Over the years, he has been an advisor and volunteer with various jazz organizations and events such as Jazz House KiDS, Montclair Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Jazz Philadelphia, Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Exit Zero Jazz Festival and several others.<br><br>If there is a better friend to jazz than Lee Mergner, I do not know who that would be. As an advocate for jazz, Lee is right out of central casting, humble, unassuming, carefully critical and always subtly in command always. Do not let the <strong>Inspector Clouseau </strong>act fool you. He possesses a razor-sharp mind and wit, expresses his thoughts with eloquent words and phrases and commands a vast sea of knowledge. I cannot recall a reference that he did not know.<br><br>I forgive his Philadelphia sports bias and his penchant for advancing the cause of performers who do not draw well. Lee is a great human being and we are lucky to have him in our midst. <br><br>I never met Bruce Lundvall, but I have heard all the stories. He would have 100% endorsed this award to Lee.<br><br><em>Michael Lazaroff<br>Executive Director<br>Signature Cruise Experiences</em></p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><strong>Still Time to SHIP Out on </strong><em><strong>The Jazz Cruise &#8217;26</strong></em><strong>! </strong></h3>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:19% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="792" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC26_PortholeCircleLogo.png" alt="the jazz cruise 27" class="wp-image-9561 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC26_PortholeCircleLogo.png 792w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC26_PortholeCircleLogo-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC26_PortholeCircleLogo-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC26_PortholeCircleLogo-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>As we are sending you this note, fewer than 30 staterooms remain available for <em>The Jazz Cruise ’26</em>. That number varies daily, as some guests complete reservations while others are forced to cancel due to various reasons.<br><br>The current limited inventory of staterooms available include a few Concierge Class, Aqua Class, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms, but other Stateroom Categories may open up due to cancellations. </p>
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<p>As a past guest, you have the highest priority for these staterooms. If you are interested in learning more about the availability, feel free to contact the office. Or you can reserve one of the available staterooms now!<br><br>Just for our past guests, we are extending the <strong>Sailing History Individual Pricing (SHIP)</strong> offer through <strong>January 20, 2026</strong>. A sample of those prices are listed below. Ready to return to Straight-Ahead Jazz Heaven?<br><br>Select your stateroom and complete your reservation online or by calling the office.<br><br>Use Promo Code: <strong>SHIP </strong>at booking.</p>



<figure class="table-responsive"><table class="table " class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Stateroom Category</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Number Available</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Standard Cruise Price</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>SHIP Cruise Price</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Concierge Class</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">6</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><s>$4,825</s></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>$4,350</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">AquaClass</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">5</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><s>$4,825</s></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>$4,350</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Ocean View</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">26</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><s>$3,125 &#8211; $3,325</s></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>$2,825 &#8211; $3,025</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Inside</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">5</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><s>$2,975</s></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>$2,600</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>These prices are per person, based upon double occupancy, do not include Pass Through Charges and are available for new reservations only.</em></p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><em><strong>Jazz Cruises Conversation Podcast</strong></em><strong><br><strong>A Listening Party with Bria Skonberg</strong></strong></h3>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:27% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Bria-PLAY.png" alt="" class="wp-image-9661 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Bria-PLAY.png 500w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Bria-PLAY-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Bria-PLAY-150x150.png 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>During the <em>Journey of Jazz </em>cruise, <strong>Lee Mergner </strong>hosted a Listening Party with <strong>Bria Skonberg </strong>who played tracks from her recent album, <em>What It Means</em> and talked about the making of the recording. The album blends many different influences, but it has a decidedly New Orleans flavor thanks to contributions from <strong>Herlin Riley</strong>, <strong>Don Vappie </strong>and <strong>Ben Jaffe</strong>. Click on the image to the right to hear an excerpt from the conversation.</p>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><strong>Signature Cruise Experiences Programs</strong></h4>



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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://davidfostercruise.com/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="792" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/THC26_PortholeLogo3.webp" alt="DAVID FOSTER THE HITMAN CRUISE PORTHOLE" class="wp-image-8768 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/THC26_PortholeLogo3.webp 792w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/THC26_PortholeLogo3-300x300.webp 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/THC26_PortholeLogo3-150x150.webp 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/THC26_PortholeLogo3-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left"><em><strong>David Foster: The Hitman Cruise</strong></em> <em>&#8217;26</em></h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates: </strong>1.15.26 – 1.20.26 &nbsp; &nbsp;<strong> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br>Staterooms Available:&nbsp;</strong>Veranda, Ocean View and Inside<br><strong>Special Offer: FOV&nbsp;</strong>Cruise Prices<br>Best Prices on Ocean View Staterooms</p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://mcbridesworldatsea.com/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="792" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MWS26_PortholeCircleLogo-1.png" alt="MCBRIDES WORLD AT SEA SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-7529 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MWS26_PortholeCircleLogo-1.png 792w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MWS26_PortholeCircleLogo-1-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MWS26_PortholeCircleLogo-1-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MWS26_PortholeCircleLogo-1-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em><strong>Christian McBride’s World at Sea</strong></em></h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates</strong>: 1.20.26 – 1.27.26<br><strong>Staterooms Available</strong>: Limited Availability in Most Categories<br><strong>Special Offer</strong>: <strong>FINAL </strong>Cruise Prices!&nbsp;Best Offer in Years</p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="THEJAZZCRUISE.COM"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="792" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC26_PortholeCircleLogo.png" alt="" class="wp-image-9561 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC26_PortholeCircleLogo.png 792w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC26_PortholeCircleLogo-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC26_PortholeCircleLogo-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC26_PortholeCircleLogo-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em><strong><em><strong>The Jazz Cruise</strong></em></strong></em></h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates</strong>: 1.27.26 – 2.3.26<br>Nearly Fully Reserved<br><strong>Staterooms Available: </strong>Only 33 Remain; 8 Staterooms with Balconies,&nbsp;25 Ocean View &amp; Inside Staterooms</p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://2026.thesmoothjazzcruise.com/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="792" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJC26.1-and-26.2_PortholeCircleLogo.png" alt="THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-7481 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJC26.1-and-26.2_PortholeCircleLogo.png 792w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJC26.1-and-26.2_PortholeCircleLogo-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJC26.1-and-26.2_PortholeCircleLogo-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJC26.1-and-26.2_PortholeCircleLogo-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em><strong>The Smooth Jazz Cruise</strong> &#8216;26.1 &amp; &#8216;26.2</em></h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates:</strong><br>2.3.26 – 2.10.26<br>2.10.26 – 2.17.26<br>Fully Reserved;&nbsp;<a href="https://sail.scecruises.com/c/14n4CGPOeQ6mBe655B6epvXZm">JOIN WAITLIST</a></p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://topshelfcountrycruise.com/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="792" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TSCC26_PortholeLogo.png" alt="Top Shelf Country Cruise Signature Cruise Experiences" class="wp-image-8108 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TSCC26_PortholeLogo.png 792w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TSCC26_PortholeLogo-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TSCC26_PortholeLogo-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TSCC26_PortholeLogo-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Top Shelf Country Cruise &#8216;2</em>6</h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates</strong>: 2.27.26 – 3.6.26<br>82% Reserved<br><strong>Staterooms Available</strong>: Concierge, AquaClass &amp; Veranda<br><strong>Promo Code:&nbsp;CHRISTMAS</strong></p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://westcoast.thesmoothjazzcruise.com/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="792" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJC26.3_PortholeCircleLogo.png" alt="THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-7482 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJC26.3_PortholeCircleLogo.png 792w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJC26.3_PortholeCircleLogo-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJC26.3_PortholeCircleLogo-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJC26.3_PortholeCircleLogo-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em><strong>The Smooth Jazz Cruise</strong> &#8216;26.3</em></h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates</strong>: 9.11.26 – 9.18.26<br>96% Reserved; fewer than 60 Staterooms remain<br><strong>Staterooms Available</strong>: Fewer than 50 Staterooms Remain; 21 Concierge Staterooms; 9 Veranda Staterooms;18 Inside Staterooms</p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="BOTTIATSEA.COM"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="792" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BAS_PortholeCircleLogo.png" alt="BOTTI AT SEA SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-6546 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BAS_PortholeCircleLogo.png 792w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BAS_PortholeCircleLogo-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BAS_PortholeCircleLogo-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BAS_PortholeCircleLogo-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em><strong>Botti at Sea III (’26)</strong></em></h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates</strong>: 9.18.26 – 9.25.26<br>65% Reserved<br><strong>Staterooms Available:</strong><br>Concierge, AquaClass&nbsp;and Veranda (with balconies);&nbsp;Ocean View and Inside</p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="DAVIDFOSTERCRUISE.COM"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="792" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/THC26_PortholeLogo3.webp" alt="DAVID FOSTER THE HITMAN CRUISE PORTHOLE" class="wp-image-8768 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/THC26_PortholeLogo3.webp 792w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/THC26_PortholeLogo3-300x300.webp 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/THC26_PortholeLogo3-150x150.webp 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/THC26_PortholeLogo3-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left"><em><strong>David Foster: The Hitman Cruise</strong></em> <em>&#8217;27</em></h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates</strong>: 1.12.27 – 1.17.27<br><strong>Lineup Announcement</strong>:&nbsp;TBD</p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="THEJAZZCRUISE.COM"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="900" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC27_Porthole.png" alt="" class="wp-image-9541 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC27_Porthole.png 900w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC27_Porthole-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC27_Porthole-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TJC27_Porthole-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left"><em>The Jazz Cruise &#8217;27</em></h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates</strong>: 1.17.27 – 1.24.27<br><strong>Guests on <em>TJC &#8217;26</em></strong>: Now through 1.30.26,&nbsp;Guests may Rebook their ’26 Stateroom<br><strong>Guests Not on <em>TJC &#8217;26</em></strong>: New Guests may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation<br>Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations may start to select Staterooms on 2.6.26</p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="JOURNEYOFJAZZ.COM"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="900" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/JOJ27_Porthole.png" alt="JOURNEY OF JAZZ 27" class="wp-image-9248 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/JOJ27_Porthole.png 900w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/JOJ27_Porthole-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/JOJ27_Porthole-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/JOJ27_Porthole-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em><strong>Journey of Jazz &#8217;27</strong></em></h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates</strong>: 1.24.27 – 1.31.27<br><strong>Guests on <em>Journey of Jazz ’25</em></strong>: Now through 12.12.25, Guests may Rebook Stateroom from <em>Journey of Jazz ‘25</em><br><strong>Guests Not on </strong><em><strong>Journey of Jazz ’25</strong></em>:&nbsp;Now through 12.12.25, New Guests may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation<br><strong>Starting on 12.15.25</strong>: Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations may start to select Staterooms</p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="THESMOOTHJAZZCRUISE.COM"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="900" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole.png" alt="The Smooth Jazz Cruise 27" class="wp-image-9275 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole.png 900w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise &#8216;27.1</em></h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates</strong>: 1.31.27 – 2.7.27<br><strong>Guests on <em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1</em></strong>: Now through 11.26.25, Guests may rebook their ’26.1 Stateroom/<strong>Guests Not on </strong><em><strong>The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1</strong></em>: New Guests may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation<br><strong>Starting on 12.4.25</strong>: Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations may start to select Staterooms<br><strong>Open Booking Starts</strong>: 12.29.25<br><strong>Cruise Prices</strong>: As shown on <a href="https://sail.scecruises.com/c/14n4MtX71xLRwgEyd5BOPmVFh">website</a></p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="THESMOOTHJAZZCRUISE.COM"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="900" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole.png" alt="The Smooth Jazz Cruise 27" class="wp-image-9275 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole.png 900w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em><em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise &#8217;27.</em>2</em></strong></h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates</strong>: 2.7.27 – 2.14.27<br><strong>Guests on <em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2</em></strong>:&nbsp;Now thru 11.26.25, Guests may rebook their ’26.2 stateroom/<strong>Guests not on <em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2</em></strong>: New Guests may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation<br><strong>Starting on 12.4.25</strong>: Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations<br>start to select Staterooms<br><strong>Open Booking Starts</strong>: 12.29.25<br><strong>Cruise Prices</strong>: As shown on <a href="https://sail.scecruises.com/c/14n4NVTBmxlRvx6Cwzo805w3R">website</a></p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="TOPSHELFCOUNTRYCRUISE.COM"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="792" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TSCC26_PortholeLogo.png" alt="Top Shelf Country Cruise Signature Cruise Experiences" class="wp-image-8108 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TSCC26_PortholeLogo.png 792w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TSCC26_PortholeLogo-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TSCC26_PortholeLogo-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TSCC26_PortholeLogo-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Top Shelf Country Cruise &#8216;2</em>6</h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates:</strong> TBD<br><strong>Announcement</strong>: TBD</p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="BOTTIATSEA.COM"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="792" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BAS_PortholeCircleLogo.png" alt="BOTTI AT SEA SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-6546 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BAS_PortholeCircleLogo.png 792w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BAS_PortholeCircleLogo-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BAS_PortholeCircleLogo-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BAS_PortholeCircleLogo-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Botti at Sea IV (&#8217;27)</em></h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates:</strong> TBD<br><strong>Announcement</strong>: TBD</p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:25% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="900" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole.png" alt="The Smooth Jazz Cruise 27" class="wp-image-9275 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole.png 900w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole-300x300.png 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole-150x150.png 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SJC27_Porthole-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em><em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise &#8217;27.</em></em></strong>3</h4>



<p><strong>Sailing Dates</strong>: 10.13.27 – 10.20.27<br><strong>Announcement</strong>: TBD</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://scecruises.com/2025/12/17/jazz-notes-12-17-25/">Jazz Notes: 12.17.25</a> appeared first on <a href="https://scecruises.com">Signature Cruise Experiences</a>.</p>
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		<title>Our Take: Oscar Peterson at 100</title>
		<link>https://scecruises.com/2025/03/24/our-take-oscar-peterson-at-100/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kim Kelley]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2025 13:40:01 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[The Weekender]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ANAT COHEN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GERALD CLAYTON]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEE MERGNER]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MUG SHOTS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[OSCAR PETERSON]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SIGNATURE JAZZ CRUISES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THE WEEKENDER]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://scecruises.com/?p=8561</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Oscar Peterson celebrates his Centennial Birthday in 2025. The Canadian born jazz pianist is considered one of the top pianists of all time by most fans and the greatest of all time by many.&#160;I own virtually every recording Oscar Peterson made.&#160;At work, often, I will start playing his music from the time I arrive until [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://scecruises.com/2025/03/24/our-take-oscar-peterson-at-100/">Our Take: Oscar Peterson at 100</a> appeared first on <a href="https://scecruises.com">Signature Cruise Experiences</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p><strong>Oscar Peterson </strong>celebrates his Centennial Birthday in 2025. The Canadian born jazz pianist is considered one of the top pianists of all time by most fans and the greatest of all time by many.&nbsp;I own virtually every recording Oscar Peterson made.&nbsp;At work, often, I will start playing his music from the time I arrive until late in the afternoon.&nbsp;On those days, I do not achieve much, but I am somewhat more enjoyable to be around.&nbsp;In life, there are choices.<br><br>Peterson won 8 GRAMMY® Awards and was heralded by his peers as the “Maharaja of the Keyboard,”&nbsp;a name bestowed upon him by <strong>Duke Ellington</strong>.&nbsp;The number of awards and honors he earned are countless and his days with <strong>Ray Brown </strong>and <strong>Herb Ellis </strong>are considered by many to be the height of his career and jazz royalty.<br><br>Often compared to <strong>Art Tatum</strong>, Peterson was intimidated by Tatum’s skills.&nbsp;He would walk away when folks made the comparison even when done so as the ultimate compliment.&nbsp;Eventually they would become good friends though Peterson would seldom perform in Tatum’s presence.<br><br>My admiration of Peterson is a simple person’s love of music, particularly the piano.&nbsp;His sound was complex, but you can hear each note.&nbsp;As UCLA Bruin Basketball coach <strong>John Wooden </strong>would have said, Peterson was quick, but not in a hurry.&nbsp;Not sure how I decided to use an NCAA basketball coach quote.&nbsp;It must have something to do with March Madness!<br><br>When I hear the name Oscar Peterson, besides longing to hear him play, two thoughts come to mind.&nbsp;The first was an experience many years ago.&nbsp;I was visiting the home of <strong>Arturo Sandoval </strong>for the purpose of inviting him to be part of a cruise program.&nbsp;Upon entering his house, the first item I saw was the largest Bosendorfer piano I have ever seen.&nbsp;Accompanying me on the visit was <strong>Dane Butcher</strong>, our first Cruise Director.&nbsp;Innocently, Dane asked who in the Sandoval house played piano?&nbsp;Arturo announced that the piano in question was a gift from Oscar Peterson as a “thank you” for some musical advice. Then, Arturo proceeded to play the piano for 30 minutes featuring classical music, jazz and pop.<br><br>Had that been the end of the story, it would have been a great memory of a great man, a great gift&nbsp;and a great musician.&nbsp;However, upon finishing the piano program, Arturo announced that he was a better piano player than trumpeter. That boast was lost on me.&nbsp;After all, Arturo Sandoval is to the trumpet what Oscar Peterson is to the piano.&nbsp;Not sure why the exclamation bothered me, but it did and still does.&nbsp;When a great man fails to accept his skills in a particular field and lauds his skill in the field of another, it does not seem right.<br><br>The second thought upon hearing his name is to watch and listened to <strong>Benny Green </strong>talk about his mentor, Oscar Peterson.&nbsp;Benny is one of my favorite pianists.&nbsp;His sound is so distinctive.&nbsp;He can make the piano do things that others cannot, or it seems that way.&nbsp;When Benny feels joy, he can fill a room with smiles.&nbsp;Talking about Oscar Peterson puts him in that mood immediately.&nbsp;It is very cool to watch Benny beam with pride when he talks about his relationship with Oscar Peterson.</p>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:27% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="714" height="960" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/LeeDetroit19.jpg" alt="Lee Mergner" class="wp-image-8564 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/LeeDetroit19.jpg 714w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/LeeDetroit19-223x300.jpg 223w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 714px) 100vw, 714px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>There is so much more about this great pianist for us to share, but that will have to wait for another edition of <em>Our Take </em>or <em>Jazz Notes</em>.&nbsp; As you know, I write most of the articles in both publications, but <strong>Lee Mergner</strong>, the famous former publisher and editor of <em>Jazz Times</em>, is&nbsp; a major contributor.&nbsp;He knows more about jazz than any person I know.&nbsp;Just like Benny Green drafting off the power of Oscar Peterson, I try to garner whatever I can from Lee.&nbsp;<br><br>As for Lee, I would admire him more if he were not a Phillies fan.&nbsp;Find me one nice Phillies fan in uniform and I will show you a person who is wearing their hat because they lost a bet.<br><br>By <strong>Michael Lazaroff</strong>, Executive Director of <em>The Jazz Cruise</em>, <em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride&#8217;s World at Sea,&nbsp;Journey of Jazz,&nbsp;Homecoming: The Cruise&nbsp;</em>and <em>Top Shelf Country Cruise</em>. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at <a href="mailto:michael@scecruises.com">michael@scecruises.com</a>.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Three Cohens&#8217; <em>Interaction</em></h3>



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<p><strong>The 3 Cohens</strong>&nbsp;(<strong>Anat</strong>, <strong>Avishai </strong>and <strong>Yuvall Cohen</strong>) reunited for their fifth album together, the appropriately named <em>Interaction</em>, recorded from a collaborative concert with Germany’s lauded <strong>WDR Big Band</strong>. The program showcased tailored arrangements by producer<strong> Oded Lev-Ari</strong> of compositions by himself and each member of The 3 Cohens, as well as fresh takes on <strong>Gerry</strong> <strong>Mulligan</strong>’s “Festive Minor” and the Louis Armstrong hit “Tiger Rag,” two longtime family favorites for the Cohens.<br><br>“We can talk without talking,” Anat said about the threesome’s sibling rapport. “Often, we don’t even have to look at each other onstage. We have such a history together that we feel each other through the music.”</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Gerald Clayton&#8217;s &#8220;Tuesday Happenings&#8221; Series at Sam First</h3>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BAS_Day-2_MP-42-1024x683.jpg" alt="Gerald Clayton Tuesday Happenings" class="wp-image-8562 size-full" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BAS_Day-2_MP-42-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BAS_Day-2_MP-42-300x200.jpg 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BAS_Day-2_MP-42-768x512.jpg 768w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BAS_Day-2_MP-42-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BAS_Day-2_MP-42-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>The Los Angeles jazz club Sam First, located near the LAX Airport, presents a weekly series called “Tuesday Happenings,” curated and hosted by <strong>Gerald Clayton</strong>. Each week a house band performs one set at 7:30pm followed by a jam session from 9:30 to 11pm.<br><br>“I was inspired by all of the great jam sessions that I learned so much from coming up in the music, and I felt that it would be good to give back to the community and offer a gathering place for hungry young musicians to work on their craft and get their butt kicked on that stage and come back again and try again,” Gerald explained. “Right now, there are so many great musicians in LA, but it&#8217;s such a spread-out city that it&#8217;s not automatic that we all get to see each other or get together and play. You have to be a bit more proactive to get that sense of community. I’ve enjoyed that it&#8217;s become a great hang.”</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Stateroom Availability</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Cruise Programs &#8217;25</h4>



<figure class="table-responsive"><table class="table " class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>Journey of Jazz &#8217;25</em></td><td>Over 86% Reserved.&nbsp;Balcony Staterooms Available &#8211;&nbsp;Special Pricing for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms (Lowest Price Ever &#8211; Promo Code:&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>JOURNEY</strong>)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Cruise Programs &#8217;26</h4>



<figure class="table-responsive"><table class="table " class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>Homecoming: The Cruise</em></td><td>Open Booking Now; For Special Prices on Staterooms, use Promo Code: &nbsp;<strong>HTC</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>Christian McBride&#8217;s World at Sea &#8217;26</em></td><td>Open Booking Now; For Special Prices for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms, use Promo Code: &nbsp;<strong>CMW</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>The Jazz Cruise &#8217;26</em></td><td>Open Booking Now</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise &#8216;26.1</em></td><td>96% Reserved &#8211; Open Booking Now</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise &#8216;26.2</em></td><td>Fully Reserved</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>Top Shelf Country Cruise</em></td><td>Full Lineup and Final Itinerary Announcement Monday<br><br>Open Booking Now</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise &#8216;26.3</em></td><td>76% Reserved &#8211; Open Booking Now</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>Botti at Sea &#8217;26</em></td><td>Open Booking Now</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Hot Offers</h4>



<p>Ocean View and Inside Staterooms are available on <em>Journey of Jazz ’25</em>. You can reserve an Inside Stateroom on the cruise for <strong>under $2,000/person </strong>and there are special prices for Ocean View staterooms.&nbsp;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: <strong>JOURNEY</strong>).</p>



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<p>The post <a href="https://scecruises.com/2025/03/24/our-take-oscar-peterson-at-100/">Our Take: Oscar Peterson at 100</a> appeared first on <a href="https://scecruises.com">Signature Cruise Experiences</a>.</p>
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		<title>OUR TAKE: Kamasi Does Dallas: Dallas Does Jazz</title>
		<link>https://scecruises.com/2024/05/11/our-take-kamasi-does-dallas-dallas-does-jazz/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jordan]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 May 2024 17:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[The Weekender]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BLUE NOTE JAZZ FESTIVAL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BOTTI AT SEA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CLEARWATER SMOOTH JAZZ JAM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JAZZ CRUISES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JERSEY CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JOURNEY OF JAZZ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KAMASI WASHINGTON]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEE MERGNER]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MUG SHOTS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SIGNATURE JAZZ CRUISES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[STL JAZZ FEST]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THE JAZZ CRUISE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THE WEEKENDER]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jazzcruisesllc.com/?p=5892</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Kamasi Washington is performing at the House of Blues in Dallas on May 15. Paula and I will be there, so, if you plan on attending the show, check us out and say hello. Due mainly to the pandemic, it has been a while (too long) since we have seen Kamasi perform live. Our anticipation [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://scecruises.com/2024/05/11/our-take-kamasi-does-dallas-dallas-does-jazz/">OUR TAKE: Kamasi Does Dallas: Dallas Does Jazz</a> appeared first on <a href="https://scecruises.com">Signature Cruise Experiences</a>.</p>
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<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);"><strong>Kamasi Washington</strong> is performing at the House of Blues in Dallas on May 15. Paula and I will be there, so, if you plan on attending the show, check us out and say hello. Due mainly to the pandemic, it has been a while (too long) since we have seen Kamasi perform live. Our anticipation is high. His shows are more than a great music experience. They are life experiences.<br><br>Jazz Cruises’ official jazz whisperer, <strong>Lee Mergner</strong>, penned a piece on Kamasi a few months ago. If you missed it, allow me to share some snippets from Lee’s note.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="447" height="260" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/5.11.24-weekender-pull-quote.jpg" alt="KAMASI WASHINGTON" class="wp-image-5893" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/5.11.24-weekender-pull-quote.jpg 447w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/5.11.24-weekender-pull-quote-300x174.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 447px) 100vw, 447px" /></figure>



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<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);">When I think of Kamasi and his music, two words come to mind, “big” and “joyous.” As to “big,” Kamasi is physically imposing. You can see strength in his eyes, his choice of clothing, and the confident way he speaks. His music is even larger. Surrounded by a healthy number of top musicians, his sound is large as well. When attending his show, the sheer magnitude of presence and sound commands you to listen, pay attention, and remain riveted to each note.<br><br>Do not think that the sound is overwhelming, overblown, or overdone. Amidst that large sound are beautiful melodies and chords. His music juxtaposed on the colorful majesty of his presence on stage is “joyous.” The spiritual nature of the presentation is undeniable. Partly regal, partly divine, Kamasi controls the bandstand, the stage, the venue, and, most importantly, the audience.<br><br>For those wondering what configuration Kamasi is bringing when he sails on <em>Botti at Sea II</em>, we have opted for the whole thing, the large ensemble! That may not have been the most cost-effective way to present Kamasi, but it will be the most exciting. Jazz Cruises walks the line between fiscal responsibility and artistic glory all the time. Glory won this conflict…by at least two touchdowns.<br><br>While we are in Dallas, we will be meeting with <strong>Curtis King</strong>, founder and president of <strong>The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc. (TBAAL)</strong> regarding the upcoming <strong>Riverfront Jazz Festival</strong> TBAAL is producing this Labor Day weekend. As you may know, Jazz Cruises has been circling the world of land-based events for years. Besides being a sponsor of the&nbsp;<strong>Vail Jazz Party, The Sarasota Jazz Festival, </strong>and<strong> Montclair Jazz Festival</strong>, we have produced our own shows in St. Louis, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles.&nbsp;<br><br>Our land-based events and sponsorships are not direct business opportunities. In the tax world, it would be more apt to describe them as part hobby/part tax planning. Those terms are euphemisms for breaking even and losing money. Indirectly, of course, these events allow us to continue to interact with our guests, the world of jazz, and support artists and organizations in jazz.<br><br>TBAAL’s event is intriguing to us as Dallas is becoming one of the top five locales of folks cruising on our programs. Supporting the communities that support us is important, plus helping to bring music to areas of the country that appreciate and attend our music shows makes great sense. College fraternity brother and Hall of Fame Broadcaster for the Texas Rangers, <strong>Eric Nadel</strong>, is the go-between for this encounter.<br><br>Did I mention that our second night in Dallas will be highlighted by the <strong>12<sup>th</sup> Annual Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit</strong>? Each year Eric takes over The Kessler, an iconic Dallas venue, and presents a music show with the proceeds going to various mental health organizations in Dallas through the <strong>Grant Halliburton Foundation.&nbsp;</strong>I would urge you to join us, but the event, as always, is sold out!<br><br>Rarely do I write about a trip we are taking before we go, but this trip to Dallas sounds like fun and it blocked out all other thoughts I may have had for my weekly Our Take. I will let you know how it all turned out.<br><br><em>By <strong>Michael Lazaroff</strong>, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea,&nbsp;and Journey of Jazz. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at <strong><a href="mailto:michael@scecruises.com">michael@scecruises.com</a>.</strong></em></p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Jersey City Jazz Festival</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><a href="https://riverviewjazz.org/jersey-city-jazz-festival"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1023" height="605" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/jerseycityjazzfestival.jpg" alt="JERSEY CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL" class="wp-image-5894" style="width:300px" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/jerseycityjazzfestival.jpg 1023w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/jerseycityjazzfestival-300x177.jpg 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/jerseycityjazzfestival-768x454.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px" /></a></figure>



<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);">The revived town of Jersey City across the Hudson River from New York City plays host to a jazz festival with an impressive lineup of mainstream and Latin jazz acts performing at the Exchange Place waterfront. Appearing at the <strong>Jersey City Jazz Festival</strong> June 1-2 are <strong>George Coleman</strong>, <strong>Orrin Evans</strong>, <strong>David Kikoski</strong>, <strong>Champian Fulton</strong>, <strong>Lezlie Harrison</strong>, the <strong>Curtis Brothers</strong>, <strong>Winard Harper </strong>and <strong>Brianna Thomas</strong>.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Clearwater Smooth Jazz Jam</h3>



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<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);">Several artists from <em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise</em>&nbsp;will reunite in Florida for the <strong>2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;Annual Clearwater Smooth Jazz Jam</strong> at Ruth Ekerd Hall in Clearwater. <strong>Jeffrey Osborne</strong>, <strong>Rick Braun</strong>, <strong>Richard Elliot </strong>and <strong>Peter White </strong>perform there on June 14. And <strong>Brian Culbertson</strong>, <strong>Sheila E &amp; the E-Train</strong> and <strong>Gerald Albright </strong>take the stage on June 15.</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1097" height="613" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CLEARWATER-SMOOTH-JAZZ-JAM.jpg" alt="CLEARWATER SMOOTH JAZZ JAM" class="wp-image-5895" style="width:531px;height:auto" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CLEARWATER-SMOOTH-JAZZ-JAM.jpg 1097w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CLEARWATER-SMOOTH-JAZZ-JAM-300x168.jpg 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CLEARWATER-SMOOTH-JAZZ-JAM-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CLEARWATER-SMOOTH-JAZZ-JAM-768x429.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1097px) 100vw, 1097px" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Blue Note Jazz Festival</h3>



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<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);">Held throughout the month of June, the <strong>Blue Note Jazz Festival</strong> features shows at five venues in New York City: Sony Hall, SummerStage in Central Park, Town Hall, Brooklyn Bowl and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Among the performers are several familiar to Jazz Cruises audiences, including <strong>Wynton Marsalis</strong>, <strong>Eliane Elias</strong>, <strong>Lisa Fischer</strong>, <strong>the Brecker Brothers Reunion Band</strong>, <strong>Chief Adjuah </strong>and <strong>Derrick Hodge</strong>.</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><a href="https://www.bluenotejazz.com/jazz-festival-nyc/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1350" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BLUE-NOTE.jpg" alt="BLUE NOTE JAZZ FESTIVAL" class="wp-image-5896" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BLUE-NOTE.jpg 1080w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BLUE-NOTE-240x300.jpg 240w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BLUE-NOTE-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BLUE-NOTE-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></a></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><em>STL Jazz Fest </em>Two-Day Tickets Available! Individual Tickets Go On Sale 5.31! </h3>



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<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="290" height="358" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/STLJF24_FutureCruiseAd-ArtistsAdded_290x358_040224.jpg" alt="STL JAZZ FEST
" class="wp-image-5814" style="width:322px;height:auto" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/STLJF24_FutureCruiseAd-ArtistsAdded_290x358_040224.jpg 290w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/STLJF24_FutureCruiseAd-ArtistsAdded_290x358_040224-243x300.jpg 243w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px" /></figure>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);">2-Day Tickets are now available on Ticketmaster for <em>STL JAZZ FEST.</em>&nbsp;1-Day Tickets will go on sale Friday, May 31. For details about the festival and how to purchase tickets, see below:</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center" style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);"><strong>STL Jazz Fest</strong><br>Produced by <em>Jazz Cruises</em><br>The Factory – Chesterfield (St. Louis) Missouri</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center" style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);"><br><strong><u>Friday, August 23, 2024</u></strong><br><strong>Eric Marienthal</strong> Quintet, featuring <strong>Niki Haris</strong><br>The Comedy of<strong> Alonzo Bodden</strong><br><strong>GREGORY PORTER</strong><br><br><strong><u>Saturday, August 24, 2024</u></strong><br><strong>Mindi Abair</strong> with <strong>Eric Marienthal</strong> &amp; Friends<br>The Comedy of <strong>Alonzo Bodden</strong><br><strong>BRIAN CULBERTSON</strong><br><br>&nbsp; Doors&nbsp;6 pm / Showtime 7 pm</p>



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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-blue-background-color has-background wp-element-button btn btn-primary" href="https://sail.scecruises.com/c/11NK2GSZFf6e22QyD">TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW</a></div>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Jazz Cruises&#8217; &#8217;25 Programs</h3>



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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="280" height="346" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TJC25_FutureJazzCruise_Ad_040224.jpg" alt="THE JAZZ CRUISE
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5822" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TJC25_FutureJazzCruise_Ad_040224.jpg 280w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TJC25_FutureJazzCruise_Ad_040224-243x300.jpg 243w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><em>The Jazz&nbsp;Cruise &#8217;25</em><br>Celebrating its 25<sup>th</sup> Anniversary</h6>



<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);">The plans for the 25th Anniversary sailing of&nbsp;<em>The Jazz Cruise &#8217;25</em>&nbsp;are spectacular. The cruise is over&nbsp;86% 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.</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="280" height="346" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SJC25_FutureJazzCruise-JOINWAITLIST_Ad_040224_copy.jpg" alt="THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5823" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SJC25_FutureJazzCruise-JOINWAITLIST_Ad_040224_copy.jpg 280w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SJC25_FutureJazzCruise-JOINWAITLIST_Ad_040224_copy-243x300.jpg 243w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><em>The Smooth Jazz&nbsp;Cruise &#8216;25.1 &amp; &#8216;25.2</em><br>Starting its 3<sup>rd</sup> Decade</h6>



<p>With both sailings being fully reserved, guests wishing to sail on a ’25 sailing of <em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise</em> should JOIN WAITLIST now. Cancellations will be filled exclusively from the WAITLIST. WAITLIST guests qualify for special terms when reserving a stateroom on&nbsp;<em>The Jazz Cruise &#8217;25&nbsp;</em>or&nbsp;<em>Botti at Sea II.</em></p>



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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-blue-background-color has-background wp-element-button btn btn-primary" href="https://sail.scecruises.com/c/11NK3JwNHOuffOmAE">JOIN WAITLIST</a></div>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="280" height="347" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BAS25_TombstoneAd.png" alt="CHRIS BOTTI AT SEA
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5827" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BAS25_TombstoneAd.png 280w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BAS25_TombstoneAd-242x300.png 242w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><em>Botti at Sea &#8217;25</em><br>Every Night is a Night on the Town</h6>



<p><em>Botti at Sea II </em>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 &#8220;run&#8221; on staterooms, so act now!&nbsp;</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="280" height="346" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JOJ25_FutureJazzCruise_Ad2.jpg" alt="JOURNEY OF JAZZ
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5828" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JOJ25_FutureJazzCruise_Ad2.jpg 280w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JOJ25_FutureJazzCruise_Ad2-243x300.jpg 243w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><em>Journey of Jazz &#8217;25</em><br>Jazz Life at Sea &amp; On Land&nbsp;<br></h6>



<p><em>Jazz Cruises&#8217;&nbsp;</em>newest program,<em> Journey of Jazz ’25</em>, hosted by <strong>Marcus Miller</strong> &amp; <strong>Gregory Porter, </strong>has completed the Pre-Sales process and began Open Booking on April 30, 2024. Like a race care, this program as gone from 0 &#8211; 60(%) sold in the blink of an eye.&nbsp;</p>



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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-blue-background-color has-background wp-element-button btn btn-primary" href="https://sail.scecruises.com/c/11NK4MaBKnSgtzSCF"><strong>BOOK NOW</strong></a></div>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><strong>Mug Shots of the Week</strong></h3>



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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="280" height="280" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Yvonne-A-Burt-W_MD.jpg" alt="MUG SHOTS
THE WEEKENDER
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5898" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Yvonne-A-Burt-W_MD.jpg 280w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Yvonne-A-Burt-W_MD-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yvonne and Burt &#8211; Maryland</figcaption></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="280" height="280" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Darlene-M_Georgia.jpg" alt="MUG SHOTS
THE WEEKENDER
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5897" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Darlene-M_Georgia.jpg 280w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Darlene-M_Georgia-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Darlene &#8211; Georgia</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Guests on the ’24 jazz cruises received <em>The Weekender</em> mug, which we hope you will use with your Saturday morning coffee while you read the latest edition. Please share a picture of yourself &amp; your mug with us so that we can include it for the 100,000+ folks who receive <em>The Weekender</em> each Saturday.<br><br>Tag us @thejazzcruise @bottiatsea @thesmoothjazzcruise #jazzcruises and #theweekender. Email your photo to <a href="mailto:MugShot@scecruises.com">MugShot@scecruises.com</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://scecruises.com/2024/05/11/our-take-kamasi-does-dallas-dallas-does-jazz/">OUR TAKE: Kamasi Does Dallas: Dallas Does Jazz</a> appeared first on <a href="https://scecruises.com">Signature Cruise Experiences</a>.</p>
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		<title>OUR TAKE: Jazz is a Good Bet&#8230;Actually, it is a &#8220;Sure Thing&#8221;</title>
		<link>https://scecruises.com/2024/04/27/our-take-jazz-is-a-good-betactually-it-is-a-sure-thing/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jordan]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 27 Apr 2024 21:56:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[The Weekender]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BOTTI AT SEA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CHARLES MCPHERSON]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JAZZ CRUISES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JAZZ CRUISES CONVERSATION PODCAST]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JOURNEY OF JAZZ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEE MERGNER]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARY LOU WILLIAMS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MINDI ABAIR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MUG SHOTS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PODCAST]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SIGNATURE JAZZ CRUISES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[STL JAZZ FEST]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TALAYA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THE JAZZ CRUISE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THE WEEKENDER]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jazzcruisesllc.com/?p=5728</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The old joke was “I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out.” The new joke is “I went to a casino and a professional sporting event broke out.” In the blink of an eye, not only is betting on professional sports being freely advertised, but past stars, even superstars, are the ones doing the promos. Betting and gambling are long-standing vices. To pretend they are not part of sports is foolish, but do we have to have that activity be presented as part of the sport? At times, it seems like betting is the sport and the game is no more than opening an envelope to reveal the winner.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://scecruises.com/2024/04/27/our-take-jazz-is-a-good-betactually-it-is-a-sure-thing/">OUR TAKE: Jazz is a Good Bet&#8230;Actually, it is a &#8220;Sure Thing&#8221;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://scecruises.com">Signature Cruise Experiences</a>.</p>
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<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);">The old joke was “I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out.” The new joke is “I went to a casino and a professional sporting event broke out.” In the blink of an eye, not only is betting on professional sports being freely advertised, but past stars, even superstars, are the ones doing the promos. Betting and gambling are long-standing vices. To pretend they are not part of sports is foolish, but do we have to have that activity be presented as part of the sport? At times, it seems like betting is the sport and the game is no more than opening an envelope to reveal the winner.<br><br>I long for the days when betting was relegated to back alleys, smoke-filled bars, underground locations, and late-night haunts. Get where I am going with this?<br><br>Those same “venues,” the kindest word I could conjure, were the homes of jazz from the very moment that our music made it to the big cities. Such locales were part of the lure and became part of the lore as jazz spread through the country. My bet is that the business model for the music mandated the choice of locations. Everything about jazz in those days reflected a genre on a budget. The sale of alcohol was the primary source of income. Most of the business was at night, late at night, so the locales needed to be distanced from residential areas. And, of course, the perception of nefarious activity associated with jazz was a barrier to entry into the more gentrified areas.<br><br>The revenue stream from a jazz club, at least the legitimate portion, was tight, hand-to-mouth, or worse. Yes, there were some swanky clubs that featured big bands, offered lavish meals, and high-end glassware, dishware, fine linens, and cutlery. But those places were geared for dancing. A night on the town. Few survived the post-World War II era when folks began to dance to music other than “swing” performed by the great big bands of the era.<br><br>Today’s jazz clubs are in the 120 – 200 capacity, urban locales, and feature either a strong food component or a significant cover charge. Many are ticketed events plus the cover charge. The clubs present each act in multiple sets, each with their own admission and some have a late-night show where a lesser group performs for a small charge with the hope that the patrons will drink the night away. The clubs are crowded, your experience is rushed, and the seating violates all posture perfect protocols.<br><br>Would you want your jazz clubs any other way? Seriously, just as I wish that betting was less prominent in baseball, as an example, and starting pitchers went 6 or 7 innings or completed a game, I want our jazz clubs to have that feel of intimacy and energy. Certain aspects of the old days needed to be modified, and the clubs today are clean, safe, and present the music with proper sound and lighting. Food choices seem to improve all the time and other modern conveniences are being added daily. What more would you want? (Note to baseball fans: In his career, Bob Gibson had 255 complete games. Modern stars Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer have combined for just 38.)<br><br>As the producer of jazz cruises for nearly 25 years, with tongue firmly planted against my cheek, I could offer a suggestion for what would be “more.” From the start of our jazz cruise programs, our goal has been to capture all that is great about a jazz club and surround that experience with the luxury of a cruise ship. When a guest walks into The Theatre, Rendezvous Lounge, or the Sky Lounge, for the time they are there, their jazz&nbsp;experience is defined by that venue just like being in Birdland, Blue Note, Jazz Alley, Dizzy’s Club or any of the other top jazz venues in the world.&nbsp;<br><br>But, when you step out of those venues, you are on a luxury cruise ship that has restaurants, spas, fitness facilities, pools, etc. It is up to you how long you may wish to be “in the club” and how long you may wish to be “on vacation.”<br><br>Again, humbly, and respectfully, that is the magic of a jazz cruise program. You can visit a jazz club when you want, without concern about parking, traffic, or reservations, and, similarly, you can return to your vacation home under the same terms.<br><br>Once upon a time, we would tell guests that the best part of being on a jazz cruise program is that all you must do each night is to find your way back to a stateroom…doesn’t have to be your stateroom, just a stateroom! That joke is probably out of bounds these days. It may have been in the hazard earlier. But you get the point. All the greatness of a jazz club with none of the hassle.<br><br>Do you wonder if the spate of gambling opportunities is a sign that the underlying game is not worthwhile unless you have a bet on the outcome? Maybe we should experiment with adding betting to jazz! There could be an over/under bet on the length of a drum solo. Will the leader say the word “cat” more than 10 times during show? Will any tune go longer than 10 minutes? Will the guy at the other table who was dragged to the show fall asleep after 30 minutes? The number of wagers would be endless.<br><br>Thankfully, jazz does not need gambling to be exciting. Jazz is a good bet all by itself. In fact, jazz is the one thing that makes any gambler sit up and take notice. Jazz is a “sure thing.”<br><br>By <strong>Michael Lazaroff</strong>, Executive Director of <em>The Jazz Cruise</em>, <em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea,</em>&nbsp;and<em> Journey of Jazz</em>. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at <strong><u><a href="mailto:michael@scecruises.com">michael@scecruises.com</a>.</u></strong></p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival</h3>



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<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);">Hosted by <em>Jazz Cruises</em>&nbsp;regular <strong>Dee Dee Bridgewater</strong>, the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival will be held May 10-11 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. The two-day event honors the legacy of the gifted pianist, as well as the contributions of jazz women of today. Among the headliners are two artists who have sailed on <em>The Jazz Cruise</em>&nbsp;numerous times—<strong>Eliane Elias</strong>&nbsp;and <strong>Ingrid Jensen</strong>—as well as two emerging artists: Bassist <strong>Endea Owens</strong>&nbsp;and vocalist <strong>Julia Keefe</strong>&nbsp;who leads her Indigenous Big Band.</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/160_TJC-Day-1-scaled-1.jpg" alt="MARY LOU WILLIAMS JAZZ FESTIVAL" class="wp-image-5884" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/160_TJC-Day-1-scaled-1.jpg 2560w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/160_TJC-Day-1-scaled-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/160_TJC-Day-1-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/160_TJC-Day-1-scaled-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/160_TJC-Day-1-scaled-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/160_TJC-Day-1-scaled-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Charles McPherson&#8217;s <em>Reverance</em></h3>



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<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);">We’re excited to welcome <strong>Charles McPherson</strong>&nbsp;back to <em>The Jazz Cruise</em>&nbsp;in 2025. The legendary saxophonist has just released an album <em>Reverence</em>&nbsp;that was recorded live at Smoke Jazz Club in NYC. The album is dedicated to the late pianist and educator <strong>Barry Harris</strong>, a longtime mentor and teacher of Charles. “I owe a lot to him,” Charles explained. “He always told me that there was more to this music than just playing the horn – you actually have to know how to think to be able to do this well.” Performing with Charles is a usual stellar band of <strong>Terell Stafford, Jeb Patton, David Wong</strong>&nbsp;and <strong>Billy Drummond</strong></p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><a href="https://smokesessionsrecords.com/shop/albums/reverence/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="1200" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Charles-McPherson-REVERENCE-Cover-1500px.jpg" alt="CHARLES MCPHERSON" class="wp-image-5885" style="width:377px;height:auto" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Charles-McPherson-REVERENCE-Cover-1500px.jpg 1200w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Charles-McPherson-REVERENCE-Cover-1500px-300x300.jpg 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Charles-McPherson-REVERENCE-Cover-1500px-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Charles-McPherson-REVERENCE-Cover-1500px-150x150.jpg 150w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Charles-McPherson-REVERENCE-Cover-1500px-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Jazz Cruises&#8217; Conversation Podcast</h3>



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<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);">In the last few weeks, we’ve posted two new episodes of the <em>Jazz Cruises Conversations </em>podcast, which features interviews, panels and talks from sailings of our cruises. The first one was recorded during the initial sailing of <em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise </em>and features an interview with the dynamic saxophonist (and wine curator) <strong>Mindi Abair</strong>. Amongst other topics, Mindi shares with our host <strong>Talaya </strong>how she broke into the music business in LA with a big assist from keyboardist <strong>Bobby Lyle</strong>. The second episode came from <em>Botti at Sea </em>during which I hosted a Jazz on Film series. For the session featuring clips from <strong>Nat King Cole’s </strong>spectacular but short-lived network TV show, we asked <strong>Gregory Porter</strong> to talk about Nat’s legacy. After all, Gregory’s affinity for Nat King Cole is both personal and professional, as you can hear in our conversation. Gregory even sings two tunes to prove it.<br><br>You can listen to these interviews on the <em>Jazz Cruises Conversations </em>pages on <a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fsail.scecruises.com%2fc%2f135Bbj9OGea3gBxVOMb6lmddU&amp;c=E,1,hjEO340vtpbwoOaiV2FSGhWTJjiRk1ywbkCqTcNdyCCyk-HsCg-ZByPmcrbsebVDBtpkS3773eyfnN6gF6fv3ypFUZEIf_MAF4IOTTJ4Cu2BRn8k&amp;typo=1">Spotify </a>or <a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fsail.scecruises.com%2fc%2f135BbFDWgtyygq9WTE7G8xmk3&amp;c=E,1,4lVrb2tqw1Y_3-ADKjerfw6EgaPAFf20vVRur88ljel1z4AeEpcWuQCfcnFlMWOOugCeHeNuJQsHv5MegBRssQ7MHrDFOKhlSHCTHEgIiA8TYWVz&amp;typo=1">iTunes </a>or wherever you access your podcasts. Subscribe to the podcast or check out any of the more than 80 previous episodes featuring interviews from our sailings over the years.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JazzCruises_ConversationsLogo_1920x1080.jpg" alt="JAZZ CRUISES CONVERSATION PODCAST
LEE MERGNER" class="wp-image-5886" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JazzCruises_ConversationsLogo_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JazzCruises_ConversationsLogo_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JazzCruises_ConversationsLogo_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JazzCruises_ConversationsLogo_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JazzCruises_ConversationsLogo_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">STL Jazz Fest Two-Day Tickets Available! Individual Tickets On Sale 5.31! </h3>



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<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="290" height="358" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/STLJF24_FutureCruiseAd-ArtistsAdded_290x358_040224.jpg" alt="STL JAZZ FEST
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5814" style="width:356px;height:auto" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/STLJF24_FutureCruiseAd-ArtistsAdded_290x358_040224.jpg 290w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/STLJF24_FutureCruiseAd-ArtistsAdded_290x358_040224-243x300.jpg 243w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px" /></figure>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);">2-Day Tickets are now available on Ticketmaster for <em>STL JAZZ FEST.</em>&nbsp;1-Day Tickets will go on sale Friday, May 31. For details about the festival and how to purchase tickets, see below:</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center" style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);"><strong><em>STL JAZZ FEST</em></strong><br>Produced by <em>Jazz Cruises</em><br>The Factory – Chesterfield (St. Louis) Missouri</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center" style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);"><br><strong><u>FRIDAY AUGUST 23, 2024</u></strong><br><strong>Eric Marienthal</strong> Quintet, featuring <strong>Niki Haris</strong><br>The Comedy of<strong> Alonzo Bodden</strong><br><strong>GREGORY PORTER</strong><br><br><strong><u>SATURDAY AUGUST 24, 2024</u></strong><br><strong>Mindi Abair</strong> with <strong>Eric Marienthal</strong> &amp; Friends<br>The Comedy of <strong>Alonzo Bodden</strong><br><strong>BRIAN CULBERTSON</strong><br><br>&nbsp; Doors&nbsp;6 pm / Showtime 7 pm</p>



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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-blue-background-color has-background wp-element-button btn btn-primary" href="https://sail.scecruises.com/c/11NK2GSZFf6e22QyD">TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW</a></div>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Jazz Cruises&#8217; &#8217;25 Programs</h3>



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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="280" height="346" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TJC25_FutureJazzCruise_Ad_040224.jpg" alt="THE JAZZ CRUISE
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5822" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TJC25_FutureJazzCruise_Ad_040224.jpg 280w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TJC25_FutureJazzCruise_Ad_040224-243x300.jpg 243w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.37), 18px);"><em>The Jazz&nbsp;Cruise &#8217;25</em><br>Celebrating its 25<sup>th</sup> Anniversary</h3>



<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);"><em>The Jazz Cruise &#8217;25</em> is 82% reserved and is currently in “Open Booking,” where anyone may reserve any available stateroom. You may view current stateroom availability and start your reservation on the website now.</p>



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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-blue-background-color has-background wp-element-button btn btn-primary" href="https://sail.scecruises.com/c/11NK3jFG5AkDz6yzQ">BOOK NOW</a></div>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="280" height="346" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SJC25_FutureJazzCruise-JOINWAITLIST_Ad_040224_copy.jpg" alt="THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5823" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SJC25_FutureJazzCruise-JOINWAITLIST_Ad_040224_copy.jpg 280w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SJC25_FutureJazzCruise-JOINWAITLIST_Ad_040224_copy-243x300.jpg 243w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.37), 18px);"><em>The Smooth Jazz&nbsp;Cruise &#8216;25.1 &amp; &#8216;25.2</em><br>Starting its 3<sup>rd</sup> Decade</h3>



<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);">With both sailings being fully reserved, guests wishing to sail on a ’25 sailing of <em>The Smooth Jazz Cruise</em> should JOIN WAITLIST now. Cancellations will be filled exclusively from the WAITLIST.</p>



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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-blue-background-color has-background wp-element-button btn btn-primary" href="https://sail.scecruises.com/c/11NK3JwNHOuffOmAE">JOIN WAITLIST</a></div>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="280" height="347" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BAS25_TombstoneAd.png" alt="CHRIS BOTTI AT SEA 
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5827" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BAS25_TombstoneAd.png 280w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BAS25_TombstoneAd-242x300.png 242w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.37), 18px);"><em>Botti at Sea &#8217;25</em><br>Every Night is a Night on the Town</h3>



<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);"><em>Botti at Sea &#8217;25 </em>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 &#8220;run&#8221; on staterooms, so act now!&nbsp;</p>



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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-blue-background-color has-background wp-element-button btn btn-primary" href="https://sail.scecruises.com/c/11NK49nVk2DQWwaBs">BOOK NOW</a></div>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="280" height="346" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JOJ25_FutureJazzCruise_Ad2.jpg" alt="JOURNEY OF JAZZ
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5828" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JOJ25_FutureJazzCruise_Ad2.jpg 280w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JOJ25_FutureJazzCruise_Ad2-243x300.jpg 243w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.37), 18px);"><em>Journey of Jazz &#8217;25</em><br>Jazz Life at Sea &amp; On Land&nbsp;</h3>



<p style="font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.185), 16px);"><em>Jazz Cruises&#8217;&nbsp;</em>newest program,<em> Journey of Jazz ’25</em>, hosted by <strong>Marcus Miller</strong> &amp; <strong>Gregory Porter, </strong>has completed the Pre-Sale process and began Open Booking on April 30, 2024. Like a race care, this program as gone from 0 &#8211; 60(%) sold in the blink of an eye.&nbsp;</p>



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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-blue-background-color has-background wp-element-button btn btn-primary" href="https://sail.scecruises.com/c/11NK4MaBKnSgtzSCF">BOOK NOW</a></div>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><strong>Mug Shots of the Week</strong></h3>



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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="280" height="280" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sharon_Toronto.jpg" alt="MUG SHOTS
THE WEEKENDER
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5846" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sharon_Toronto.jpg 280w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sharon_Toronto-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sharon &#8211; Toronto</figcaption></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="280" height="280" src="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Monica_and_Charles_NYC.jpg" alt="MUG SHOTS
THE WEEKENDER
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES" class="wp-image-5847" srcset="https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Monica_and_Charles_NYC.jpg 280w, https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Monica_and_Charles_NYC-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Monica and Charles &#8211; New York City</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Guests on the ’24 jazz cruises received <em>The Weekender</em> mug, which we hope you will use with your Saturday morning coffee while you read the latest edition. Please share a picture of yourself &amp; your mug with us so that we can include it for the 100,000+ folks who receive <em>The Weekender</em> each Saturday.<br><br>Tag us @thejazzcruise @bottiatsea @thesmoothjazzcruise #jazzcruises and #theweekender. Email your photo to <a href="mailto:MugShot@scecruises.com">MugShot@scecruises.com</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://scecruises.com/2024/04/27/our-take-jazz-is-a-good-betactually-it-is-a-sure-thing/">OUR TAKE: Jazz is a Good Bet&#8230;Actually, it is a &#8220;Sure Thing&#8221;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://scecruises.com">Signature Cruise Experiences</a>.</p>
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