Jetsettersblog

Jazz Cruises unveils line-up for 9th annual sailing of The Jazz Cruise

ST. LOUIS – Jazz Cruises is proud to announce today that, for the 9th consecutive year, they have assembled the most celebrated collection of straight-ahead jazz musicians from around the globe to set sail with a worldwide audience of jazz loving guests.

Simply put, there is no festival, concert or event that offers so many internationally acclaimed straight-ahead jazz musicians in a single location for a day or a weekend, let alone for an entire week at sea.

This cruise will be fueled by passion – passion about jazz, passion about life and passion about enjoying time at sea with a full ship of nearly 2,000 fellow straight-ahead jazz aficionados.

“Every year our goal is to produce experiences that lead to life-long memories and friendships for our guests and performers,” said Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of Jazz Cruises.

“We have worked for years to produce the most guest-friendly music experiences at sea. It starts with a fantastic lineup and this year’s lineup is our very best. Then we make sure that we present the music in the best way possible. Our sound systems, production levels and venues are simply amazing. Finally, we are always looking for that special treat…something new and exciting for our guests, many of whom have sailed with us for years.

“This year we have assembled the most amazing all star big band ever. These musicians and the leaders are tops in their fields and have been brought together just to honor our founder, and my mother, Anita Berry on The Jazz Cruise 2009.”

Unlike traditional concerts, these cruises allow guests a rare and unheard of opportunity. Performers do not walk on stage, perform a set and disappear; there is genuine involvement with the artists, from late-night jam sessions, dining together, casual conversation, autograph sessions, and of course, the performances.

And there will be no shortage of jazz on this cruise as nearly 100 musicians are scheduled to perform for the ninth year, and a very special occasion.

Jazz Cruises would have never set sail without the vision, determination and energy of Anita Berry, the company’s founder. With more than 30 years in the travel industry, she has cultivated connections with the world’s foremost musicians and made thousands of friends while bringing jazz to the high seas.

This year, Jazz Cruises has added more legendary musicians than ever before and, as Michael Lazaroff said, they have assembled the ultimate all star big band to celebrate her 80th birthday. Anita Berry’s Birthday Big Band will be comprised of the finest musicians in their fields and will led by Ken Peplowski, The Four Freshmen, Freddie Cole, Anne Hampton Callaway and the legendary Johnny Mandell.

“I have been privileged to meet and get to know so many special musicians, guests and friends while orchestrating these one-of-a-kind cruise experiences,” said Anita Berry, founder of Jazz Cruises. “It is wonderful to set foot on deck and see so many friends that have traveled with us for years and the excitement in the eyes of first time guests as they ready themselves for the experience of a lifetime.

The Jazz Cruise will depart from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida aboard the Holland America m/s Westerdam, and will sail from November 8-15, 2009. Ports-of-call include Grand Turk, St. Thomas, St. Barths and the private island of Half Moon Cay.

For more information on The Jazz Cruise, please visit us at www.thejazzcruise.com

Additional upcoming jazz cruises:

The Smooth Jazz Cruise, hosted by Dave Koz and featuring Wayman Tisdale
January 17-24, 2010

This cruise is a definitive moment in smooth jazz with the artistic talents of: Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub, Jake Shimabajuro, Dave Koz, Wayman Tisdale, Brian Simpson, Ledisi, Alonzo Bodden, Rick Braun, Stanley Jordan, Keiko Matsui and many more.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise leaves Fort Lauderdale, Florida aboard the Holland America m/s Westerdam and will visit ports-of-call in Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Half Moon Cay.

For cruise reservations or more information on our cruises, please call 1-888-852-9987, or visit us at www.jazzcruisesllc.com

Jazz Cruises, LLC remains the first and only producer and owner of full-ship jazz charters in the world, offering phenomenal experiential cruises, including: The Jazz Cruise and The Smooth Jazz Cruise with Dave Koz & Friends, featuring Wayman Tisdale. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the organization strives to unite the world’s top talent with those who share the passion for jazz and its heritage.

For more information on Jazz Cruises, LLC, visit www.jazzcruisesllc.com

Read the Jetsetters Magazine features about the 2008 Dave Koz Cruise, and the 2009 Playboy Jazz Cruise.