Nowadays, horses are bred and trained specifically for the shorter distance of The Preakness and the longer route of the Belmont Stakes. Optimism wanes as the races move on which reduces the fields considerably. Famously, only four horses competed against Secretariat as he captured the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown.

I know what you are thinking…when will he stop horsing around and talk about jazz. I had no idea that he was a racetrack junkie. Well, I am not a horse racing fan. Actually, I am afraid of horses and do not understand why people wait around for 30 – 45 minutes between races and wager money on animals they do not know and on jockeys they have never met.

In high school, my friends and I went to a local racetrack, snuck in with fake I.D.’s and bet on a horse called Oklahoma Miss. The bet was prompted by a lowlife we called Shooter who told us “the only way this horse loses is if he dies.” Shooter was dead on! The horse died somewhere in the back stretch. Too much “energy” was the proclaimed cause of death.

Heading for home, it is time to “shoe” horn in a jazz analogy. Just like the Kentucky Derby, lots of musicians with high hopes begin careers in jazz. They train. They workout. They have handlers and teachers. Then they play in small clubs, just like the horses run in small races. Finally, one day they have a chance to show their stuff and complete with the other young musicians who have been groomed and trained the same way. The results are always the same. There is one winner, a handful of others who showed well and a larger group of also-rans.

When it is time for the next race, The Preakness for horses, another festival or concert for the musicians, the cadre of those who did well before gather and a couple new guys are added, guys who are specialists and have trained just for this event. Finally, when you get to the big time, the Belmont Stakes or Carnegie Hall, the many have become the few. There may be a ringer or two, but, for the most part, this battle of attrition leads to one winner.

Becoming a top jazz musician is a long and difficult road. You have to fight and scrape every inch of the way. Yes, there is some luck involved, but without talent and hard work, luck will never be enough. Like I said above, I know little about horses, so I cannot discern the gleam in their eyes or the detect the burning in their hearts, but I can detect those feelings when I watch a young musician soaking up the chops of a true star. I have joked that if you wanted to have a gathering of pianists on one of our cruises, all you need to do is schedule a Brad Mehldau gig. We have to issue special talent passes when Michael McDonald sings or when Lewis Nash/Herlin Riley/Jeff Hamilton square off.

In horse racing, getting to the top is winning the Triple Crown. In jazz, it may be induction as a NEA Jazz Master. The path to that glory is the same. Many start out trying. Very few succeed.

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

Ben Williams’ Between Church and State

A veteran of several of our cruise programs, including Botti at Sea and Blue Note at Sea, Ben Williams has just released Between Church and State, a new album in which he addresses social issues. On this follow-up to his I Am a Man recording, the bassist (who has performed or recorded with Pat Metheny, George Benson, David Sanborn, Wynton Marsalis, Robert Glasper, and Jose James) explores his family history, on both sides, and discovers the rich legacy of activism from the pulpit of the Black church to the halls of Congress (and a connection to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). While telling his own story, he unpacks not only his personal experience as a Black man, but also explores broader issues such as spirituality, addiction/escapism, police brutality, anxiety, and afro-futurism. His fourth album as a leader, Between Church & State features Ben on upright and electric bass, as well as vocals, backed by a band of Justin Brown (drums), Brandon Coleman (keyboards), Hailey Niswanger (sax, flute, bass clarinet), Sasha Berliner (vibraphone), and Andrew Renfroe (guitar).  Among Ben’s special guests on the recording are Kamasi Washington, Chief Adjuah, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Sy Smith, and Keyon Harrold.

Where’s Alonzo?

Our comedian-in-residence Alonzo Bodden has some big shows coming up this month and next.  On May 8-9, he’ll be appearing at the prestigious Halifax Comedy Festival up in Canada.  On June 6-7, he’ll hold forth at the Comedy Bar in Toronto, followed by a show on June 8 at the Paramount Theatre in Thunder Bay.  Alonzo promises that all the shows in Canada will be tariff-free.  During June 16-22, Alonzo will be in residence at the Cellar Comedy Club at the Rio in Las Vegas. And, as always, keep an ear out for him on the popular NPR show, Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me!, on which he frequently appears as a panelist, offering up his informed and witty takes on current events.  

Music Legend Hosts a 5 Day/5 Night Super Cruise
featuring Michael McDonald and Babyface

Numbers can often tell the story. David Foster has 47 GRAMMY® nominations and 16 GRAMMY® Awards, including three awards for “Producer of the Year.”  He has been inducted in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, enshrined in both Canada’s and Hollywood’s Walk of Fame nominated three times for an Academy Award (Oscar) and won a Golden Globe.
 
His collaborations with vocalists and bands is extraordinary, creating hit songs and successful albums for Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Brandy, ’N Sync, Boz Scaggs and Gloria Estefan.
 
Now, after two wonderful stints as a guest performer on our Chris Botti at Sea cruise, we are proud to announce that David Foster will be the host of our newest cruise program, David Foster, the Hitman Cruise. This five day / five night super cruise will sail from Ft. Lauderdale on Celebrity Summit from January 15 – 20, 2026.
 
Joining David for this amazing event are Michael McDonald, Babyface, Peter Cincotti, Take 6, Pia Toscano and, of course, Katharine McPhee.  More performers to be added soon.
 
Michael McDonald was recently a co-host with Patti LaBelle on a 4 day cruise that bore their names. Signature Cruise Experiences’ guests have begged for another top sailing that was fewer than a week. David Foster: The Hitman Cruise fills that request. 
 
This cruise will be the first sailing on a Signature Cruise Experiences’ program for both Babyface and Pia Toscano. Peter Cincotti and Katharine McPhee have sailed with us before and Take 6 has been on our cruise programs six times.
 
For more information, and to complete a Pre-Sail Reservation ahead of the open booking rush, go to the David Foster: The Hitman Cruise website and follow the prompts. As of yesterday, nearly 800 Pre-Sail Reservations have been completed, so act now.

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

The cruise is more than 92% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist, mainly, of Veranda Staterooms, Inside Staterooms and Single Inside Staterooms! 

These remaining staterooms are favorably priced through May 15, 2025(*). Please use the promo code: PORTER. There is no obligation to complete a reservation once you learn the prices. 
*New reservations only.

BOOK NOW

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DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE
Pre-Sail Registration Now Open!

Join us aboard the luxurious Celebrity Summit for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise — five incredible days and nights celebrating timeless hits, legendary artists and 5-star entertainment, all curated by one of the greatest musical minds of our time.

Join the Pre-Sail to register for first access to your stateroom of choice before Open Booking becomes available to the public. Register below! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Open Booking has begun! Special pricing is available for a limited time on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking!
 
Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when! 

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Open Booking Now Available

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist.
  
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 98% reserved.

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

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

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available
We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. 

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’26
Open Booking Now Available

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

BOOK NOW

Send us Your Mug Shots

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

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

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

The post Our Take: And They’re Off! appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

While We Are At Sea

Though we are at sea for the next several weeks (January 28 – February 25), please know that while some of us are away, our office will be open during normal business hours, our email lines will be open and the websites for each of our cruise programs will be available 24/7.

These services are available to guests who have questions about their upcoming ’25 Sailings and those who wish to complete or discuss a ’26 Reservation. To contact us, you may choose among the following:

  Call the Office: 
Toll Free US & Canada – 888.852.9987
Toll Free International – 01.800.852.99872
Monday – Thursday: 10 AM ET – 6 PM ET
Friday: 10 AM ET – 5 PM ET

Inquire by E – Mail:
info@scecruises.com

Learn More or Make a Reservation:
www.scecruises.com or review SCE Brand Book
Select the Cruise Program You Wish
Follow prompts

Stateroom Availability

With 13 active cruise programs, it is difficult to keep up with Stateroom Availability. To assist you with your planning, below is a chart that we will update weekly in The Weekender. 

Cruise Programs 2025

Cruise Programs 2026

Hot Offers

Inside Staterooms are available on Journey of Jazz ’25. From now through February 28, you can reserve an Inside Stateroom on the cruise for under $2,000/person. Reservations 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: ATSEA).

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25.2 has been fully reserved for months. Guests do cancel their reservations for various reasons and we place those staterooms with guests on the Wait List. If you are on the Wait List or wish to reserve a stateroom for one of these sailings, call the office for availability and pricing.

Sullivan Fortner’s Southern Nights

The pianist Sullivan Fortner, who was a big hit during the last two weeks with our guests sailing on The Jazz Cruise and Botti at Sea, has just released Southern Nights, his fifth album as a leader. 

Recorded live at the iconic Village Vanguard in NYC, the album features a wide-ranging repertoire, including tunes by Allen Toussaint and Clifford Brown, and tributes to Sullivan’s late mentor Bill Lee and Lee’s sister, the underappreciated pianist and educator Consuela Lee, as well as an original from Sullivan. Accompanied by bassist Peter Washington and drummer Marcus Gilmore, Sullivan celebrates his roots in the Crescent City.

“New Orleans is at the top of the Caribbean,” he explains. “It’s definitely not America. The Spanish and Caribbean influences run deep, and you can hear that in the music.”

LEARN MORE

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Now through February 28, or until fully reserved, promotional pricing is available on Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code ATSEA for significant savings*! Exciting land-based concerts and excursions are also available! *Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available!

Join us for a celebration of HBCUs and inspired by the tradition of the Divine Nine Challenge from recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), this cruise will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. ALLBLK’s Homecoming: The Cruise is produced in association with the National HBCU Alumni Alliance and features Babyface, Chanté Moore, Take 6 and more! The best part is that we will award over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving organizations. Reserve Your Stateroom Today! 

BOOK NOW

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Open Booking Now Available!

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

Open Booking has begun! Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Starts February 19!

Hailed as “Jazz Heaven” by musicians and guests alike, The Jazz Cruise ’26 lineup will feature some of the most iconic musicians from the straight-ahead jazz genre. See the full lineup here.  Guests who registered for the Pre-Sail are selecting their staterooms now, and Open Booking will begin on February 19!

LEARN MORE

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Open Booking Now Available

 The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 85% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Headline Artist Just Announced – Keith Urban

Fans of the country genre love the music that represents the simple, humble American lifestyle and they love to party. Top Shelf Country Cruise brings these ideas together on a luxury ship for one unforgettable week, February 27 – March 6, 2026! The inaugural sailing will feature headline artist Keith Urban and widely popular personalities from iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, led by Bobby Bones himself. Pre-Sail reservations are open now through tomorrow, February 9! Visit topshelfcountrycruise.com for more information and join the Pre-Sail today! 

LEARN MORE

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available

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

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’25 is Fully Reserved!
Pre-Sail Reservations Accepted Until February 11!
Open Booking Begins February 28

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard the Botti at Sea ’26 . Of course, Chris Botti will be there with his very talented band and, as always, we will fill the remaining performance slots with a variety of great music, comedy and more. Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail. 

LEARN MORE

Mug Shot of the Week

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

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

The post Our Take: From Botti to Smooth appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Samara Joy’s Portrait

Samara Joy, who has sailed on both The Jazz Cruise and Botti at Sea, has just released Portrait, an album recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studios in New Jersey, with her touring band, an octet featuring trumpeter Jason Charos, trombonist Donavan Austin, saxophonists David Mason and Kendric McCallister, pianist Connor Rohrer, bassist Felix Moseholm and drummer Evan Sherman. The album, the follow up to her 2022 breakout album Linger Awhile, is co-produced by Samara and veteran trumpeter/bandleader Brian Lynch. The eight-song album includes songs such as “You Stepped Out of a Dream,” “Autumn Nocturne” and “Day by Day” and spotlights her, not just as a singer, but also as a songwriter, arranger and band leader. Samara will be presenting material from the album on her upcoming tour throughout the U.S. from October 13 to November 9. In addition, she’ll perform holiday music with her family in a show called A Joyful Holiday Featuring the McLendon Family at theaters and performing arts centers across the country December 3-23. 

The Youthful Side of Jazz

Just in the past few weeks, we have experienced some glorious and uplifting performances by great jazz musicians in their teens and early 20s. In each case, the performers were tutored and groomed by seasoned, often topflight, jazz musicians. Pay it Forward is alive and well on the jazz bandstand.

From Christian McBride’s and Melissa Walker’s Jazz House Kids to the All-Stars from the Vail Jazz Festival to the amazing young musicians fostered by the Los Angeles Jazz Society, the future of jazz is shining brightly.

Competition for places in the prestigious music schools in the country is fiercer than ever. Just as it is in sports, the passion for music is started at an early age and most of the performers are laser focused on their craft, their careers and their capabilities.

Simply admiring this phenomenon is not enough. For this trend to continue, there must be light at the end of the tunnel and enough food and supplies to get them there. The end of the tunnel means jobs, careers, opportunities and avenues to allow them to make a living with their music.

For us to help, we simply need to attend and support live music, fight circumstances when tracks are used rather than live musicians and purchase recorded music of musicians who are alive.

Getting those musicians to the light at the end of the tunnel requires support from jazz fans. Money for scholarships. Part time jobs while in school and training. Continued mentorship by today’s music icons.

Jazz Cruises is working on some form of youth event or production for and with every one of our programs. “And a child will lead us.” In music, this is only true if that child is provided the tools, time and teaching to reach their potential.

Stay tuned for more.

Alonzo on the Go

Our longtime comedian-in-residence Alonzo Bodden
invites his fans from the Jazz Cruises programs
to come out to see him perform at these upcoming shows:

October 26:
Blue Note Napa,
Napa, CA
GET TICKETS

November 8-9:
Punchline Comedy Club,
Atlanta, GA
GET TICKETS

November 14-16:
Helium Comedy Club,
Philadelphia, PA
GET TICKETS

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25: FULLY RESERVED & Celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary! The Jazz Cruise ’26 to be Announced Soon!

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

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

JOIN WAITLIST

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

Both sailings for 2025 are fully reserved and the Waitlist has more than 4,000 entrants. 
  
We are now focused on reservations for the ’26 Sailings. All Pre-Sale Reservation Holders are eligible to reserve a stateroom and Open Booking begins on October 17.

OPEN BOOKING BEGINS 10.17

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 Announcement is Here! The First SJC West-Coast Sailing!

We just announced the details of our third sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise in ’26! For the first time, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail from Vancouver and Victoria to San Francisco and Los Angeles with incredible excursions available. Open Booking begins on November 7th, but you can sign up for a Pre-Sail Reservation today! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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

Botti at Sea ’25 is more than 95% reserved. Act NOW to reserve one of the remaining staterooms. Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms are available in limited quantities.

BOOK NOW

Journey of Jazz ’25: Jazz Life at Sea & On Land Reserve Now – Excursions Available to Book Soon!

Jazz Cruises’ West Coast program, Journey of Jazz, hosted by Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter, is in Open Booking. Though not sailing for 12 months, the cruise is nearly 70% reserved.

The menu of land-based excursions in Victoria and San Francisco has been announced. Check out Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Shows and more HERE. Reserve your stateroom now to be eligible for events when they become available to reserve next week.

BOOK NOW

Signature Cruise Experiences Mug Shots

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

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

The post OUR TAKE: What’s in a Name?  appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

The Jazz Cruise ’25 is Fully-Reserved!
Want to Sail? Join the Waitlist! 

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

If contacted for a vacancy, you will have a short time to complete your reservation or that offer will be given to the next guest in line. There is no cost to JOIN WAITLIST and no obligation to complete a reservation if offered.

Labor Day Reminder

The Signature Cruise Experiences’ office will close at 2 PM ET on Friday, August 30, until Tuesday, September 3, in recognition of Labor Day. During this time, guests may complete reservations online, check their Jazz Cruises account and submit questions to us at info@scecruises.com. 

All of us at Signature Cruise Experiences wish you and yours a happy, fun and safe Labor Day

Jazz St. Louis Presents Paquito D’Rivera and
Chucho Valdes, Together Again

Jazz St. Louis Presents Paquito D’Rivera and Chucho Valdés, Together Again! at Steward Center, home of Jazz St. Louis, on September 18 and at The Sheldon on September 19.

Clarinetist, saxophonist, author, composer and arranger D’Rivera and pianist, composer and arranger Valdés first met in 1962. Both child prodigies and sons of musical families, the two worked together in Havana’s Musical Theatre Orchestra and in the Cuban Orchestra of Modern Music.

Your purchase supports Jazz St. Louis and helps secure the future of their impactful programs and events for people in the St. Louis area. Jazz St. Louis has established an extensive record of developing future leaders in music, while also preserving and advancing the treasured American art form of Jazz through community engagement efforts, educational programming, and transformative live jazz experiences.

Learn more and get tickets at //jazzstl.org/together.

New Music

Two of our co-hosts on The Jazz Cruise ’25 have just released new albums.

Catherine Russell & Sean Mason’s My Ideal

GRAMMY®-nominated vocalist Catherine Russell has paired with the 25-year-old pianist Sean Mason for My Ideal, a recording of duets on colorful songs written by Fats Waller, Irving Berlin, James P. Johnson, Peggy Lee and others.

“Singing with the great pianist Sean Mason allows for the freedom to have fun and be in the moment,” says Catherine. “We understand each other.” My Ideal, Catherine’s ninth album as a leader or co-leader, stands alongside legendary voice-and-piano duet albums such as Ella Fitzgerald’s Ella Sings Gershwin with Ellis Larkins, Tony Bennett’s collaborations with Bill Evans and Nina Simone’s Nina Simone and Piano.

Emmet Cohen’s Vibe Provider

Based on his friendship with the late Harlem-based creative Michael Funmi Ononaiye, Emmet Cohen’s latest album, Vibe Provider, features an all-star band including Bruce Harris (trumpet), Tivon Pennicott (tenor saxophone), Frank Lacy (trombone), Cecily Petrarca (koshkah), Philip Norris (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums) and Kyle Poole (drums, producer).

Funmi, who died of cancer in December 2023, worked as a chief programmer for Jazz at Lincoln Center, a DJ and an A&R executive, among other professional roles. The worldly Nigerian-born New Yorker was an omnipresent force of positivity and spiritual healing — “the Mayor of Harlem,” as Emmet describes him.

“Funmi was the vibe provider, but he taught us that we all have that inside of us,” Emmet says. “We all have the ability to brighten a room or to change someone’s world for a minute or a lifetime—with music, vibrations, energy or even just a smile. And those things are important. So I wanted to get some of his favorite musicians together and make a beautiful statement in tribute.”

Monterey Jazz Festival

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

Jazz Cruises’ ’25 Programs

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

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

JOIN WAITLIST

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

Both sailings for 2025 are fully reserved. Guests not sailing in ’25 who wish to sail in ’26 are encouraged to go to complete a Pre-Sale Reservation for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26 to establish priority for a stateroom on those sailings.

JOIN PRE-SALE

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Mug Shots

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

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

The post OUR TAKE: Showtime! appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

The recognition for Dianne and Dee Dee can be justified easily. There are only three living female vocalists who are NEA Jazz Masters: Dianne, Dee Dee and Sheila Jordan. Dianne and Dee Dee continue to perform at the highest possible level and are in demand perhaps more than ever. In reviewing the list of NEA Jazz Masters, one is struck by how few musicians who have climbed to the top of the jazz world continue to be a part of the jazz scene today.

Jazz Cruises is proud to include a large number of NEA Jazz Masters still on the scene in its list of current and past on-cruise performers: Roy Haynes (99), Benny Golson (95), Dick Hyman (97), Herbie Hancock, Paquito D’Rivera, George Benson, Kenny Barron, Cedar Walton, Hubert Laws, Wynton Marsalis, Charles Lloyd, Jack DeJohnette, Ron Carter, Gary Burton, Lou Donaldson, Eddie Palmieri, Pat Metheny, Regina Carter, Terence Blanchard and Chucho Valdes. The list of NEA Jazz Masters who performed on a Jazz Cruises’ program prior to their passing is equally impressive: Clark Terry, James Moody, McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Heath, Chick Corea, Ramsey Lewis, Phil Woods, Jimmy Cobb, Johnny Mandel, George Wein and Dr. Lonnie Smith.

Cruisers on The Smooth Jazz Cruises may know that Dianne Reeve’s cousin was George Duke and his influence on her career during her formative years in Denver were significant. Fans of The Weekender know that I have long since put Mr. Duke on one of the highest pedestals we have. From a talent, intellectual and human perspective, he had it all. She has shared with me her gratitude to George for teaching her how to be a professional performer. But it is that voice that has captured my allegiance. So pure. So melodious. And, like all the greats, the lyrics matter to her. She is telling you a story with every song.

Dee Dee Bridgewater was the first “star” ever to perform on a Jazz Cruises’ program. For that alone, she will forever be special to us. But there is so much more. She is a performer and entertainer as well as a singer. Her time on stage as an actor has added a dramatic element to her singing style. Never too much, she knows how to make something work with the greatest of ease while never allowing the theatrical elements to obfuscate the importance of the song. There are many vocalists who you cannot stop listening to. With Dee Dee, you also cannot take your eyes from her performances. The combination of song and visual art is unbeatable.

Diana Krall is not an NEA Jazz Master. She might be later, but her claim to be the G.L.O.V.E. is due to the impact of her music and her performances on jazz fans and non-jazz fans alike. Folks who think “bebop” is a form of pickleball know who Diana Krall is. She has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide and Billboard magazine named her the second greatest jazz artist of the decade (2000–2009), establishing her as one of the best-selling artists of her time. She has “it,” whether that is good looks, sultry style, marriage to Elvis Costello or simply the enjoyment of a great piano player singing great songs, Diana Krall is a force.

Dianne will be sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’25. Diana will be on Botti at Sea ’25. Dee Dee will make our Journey of Jazz ’25 cruise amazing. They are not the only female vocalists on our cruises in ’25. Patti Austin will be making a starring role on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25. Her long overdue return to the cruise is exciting our fans. Judith Hill will be there as well. Catherine Russell and Ann Hampton Callaway will ignite The Jazz Cruise ’25. Katharine McPhee and esperanza spalding are on Botti at Sea ’25 and the very gifted Cecile McLorin Salvant joins us for Journey of Jazz ’25 along with Dee Dee.

Female vocalists have defined the image of jazz for decades. That trend is alive and well today among whomever you may decide is the G.L.O.V.E. Just remember, if you are looking for more information about the history of the G.L.O.V.E., you will be disappointed. There is none, but I am working on a petition to the NEA to establish the G.L.O.V.E. as an annual award. Who knows, perhaps we could have the ceremony on one of our cruises. We’re excited for Dianne Reeves, Diana Krall and Dee Dee Bridgewater to join us aboard….the G.L.O.V.E. Boat!

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

Journey of Jazz ’25 Excursions Launch

When Jazz Cruises first announced its plans for a West Coast sailing (Journey of Jazz), we promised special excursions for the day we have in Victoria, British Columbia and for the two days and one night we are docked in San Francisco. After weeks and weeks of nailing down the details for the excursions, we are nearly ready to share the options with our guests.

Soon, perhaps as early as next week, guests on Journey of Jazz will have their opportunity to select among the following very special excursions and events.

In Victoria on 09.13.25:
o Afternoon Concert at McPherson Playhouse featuring Warren Wolf‘s History of Vibes
o Culinary/Dining Experience with Michael Bauer, former Food Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle
o Whale Watching & Wildlife Tour
o Tour of Craigdarroch Castle & The Butchart Gardens

In San Francisco on 09.16.25:
o Tours of selected famous wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys
o Luncheon and wine tasting on the Napa Valley Wine Train (100% chartered by Jazz Cruises)
o Culinary/Dining Experience with Michael Bauer, former Food Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle
o Afternoon Concert at SFJAZZ auditorium featuring the SFJAZZ Collective (Chris Potter, David Sanchez, Mike Rodriguez, Warren Wolf, Edward Simon, Matt Brewer and Kendrick Scott)
o Special Tours of San Francisco

In San Francisco on 09.17.25:
o Tours of selected famous wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys
o Culinary/Dining Experience with Michael Bauer, former Food Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle
o Afternoon Concert at SFJAZZ auditorium featuring Ron Carter, Renee Rosnes, Jimmy Greene and Payton Crossley
o Special Tours of San Francisco

Each tour and event have been curated by Jazz Cruises for its guests and made available to guests at cost, with no fee or surcharge applied. In its 25-year history of producing cruises, Jazz Cruises has rarely offered its own on-land excursions. That Journey of Jazz is docked all day in the idyllic town of Victoria and will overnight in San Francisco, one of the most exciting cities in the world, has provided the impetus for this unprecedented addition to this Jazz Cruises’ program.

Almost all excursions have limited availability, so we urge guests to make their reservations and selections as soon as the “menu” is made available. If you have not yet completed your reservation for the cruise, you have time to do so before the on land events are made available.

25-25-25-25-25
The Jazz Cruise ’25 Update

The Jazz Cruise ’25, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary, has only 25 Veranda Staterooms and 25 Inside Staterooms remaining. The story is just that simple. To make it even simpler, we are extending the SUMMERBREAK special prices for the remaining Inside Staterooms for another 25 days, giving everyone until August 14th (or while rooms last) to complete their reservations.

Vincent Ingala’s Escape With Me

Just out this week is a new album by a longtime favorite of our guests on The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Saxophonist (and multi-instrumentalist) Vincent Ingala has released Escape With Me, his eighth album as a leader, on Shanachie Entertainment. The recording features a cameo appearance by vocalist Lindsey Webster, who sings a duet with Vincent on a cover of the dance hit “Free.”

Vincent is quick to point to the major influences on his own evolving sound. “There are countless saxophonists that have shaped my influences over the years, the main three for me have always been Sam Butera, Wilton Felder and Gato Barbieri,” he says. “I remember hearing Sam Butera’s saxophone solo on ‘Oh Marie’ on the car radio one day while my cousin was driving us around, and immediately knowing that I wanted to play tenor sax. He is one of the most underrated saxophonists of all time.”

Alonzo Bodden on the Yosemite Jazz Train

Yosemite National Park in California is one of the country’s most popular national parks with its waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias and a vast wilderness area within its 1,200 square miles. Right outside the park, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers scenic train trips through the Sierra National Forest. And, on select Sundays this summer and fall, they’re also offering a three-hour trip on the Yosemite Jazz Train, featuring performances by some special artists, including our own Alonzo Bodden (July 28), as well as David Benoit (August 9), Keiko Matsui (September 15) and Hiroshima (September 29).

Alonzo told us that he’s going to turn the Jazz Train into a Comedy Train for that one day. And that he’ll improvise a bit to keep it jazzy. He promises that no bears will be in attendance.

Brian Culbertson’s Jazz Getaway – It’s a Vibe!

Music – Food – Wine – Community

Brian Culbertson knows how to throw a party! It is time to plan your vacation, and Jazz Getaway has you covered with three uniquely incredible locations.

This September in Chicago, Brian Culbertson hosts Peabo Bryson, Avery*Sunshine, Najee, Eric Darius and more. Single Day tickets are on sale now!

Next March, Jazz Getaway is bringing the party to The Big Easy with the 2nd Annual New Orleans Jazz Getaway. Take the hassle out of your travel and stay at the luxurious host hotel, the JW Marriot, the site of our Welcome Dinner, with the Platinum package. The Platinum package includes floor seats to the Main Concert events at Civic Theatre, plus shuttles to and from the show.

Finally next June, the 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway returns to the Meritage Resort and Westin Verasa Napa. Don’t miss all three nights of concerts with the SILVER package. Plus, ticket holders get exclusive access to a discounted room block at the Meritage Resort.

Signature Cruise Experiences’ ’25 Programs

1-Day Tickets to STL Jazz Fest
Are on Sale Now!

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

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

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

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

Doors 6 PM / Showtime 7 PM

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Mug Shots of the Week

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

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

The post OUR TAKE: Dianne, Diana & Dee Dee appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Seeing Marcus Miller on the cruise was a lot of fun. We all know that he is a serious musician. A man who respects the bandstand, cares about his product, and always looking to challenge his band, his audience, and himself. On this cruise Marcus took up the duty of providing Michael McDonald with a first-class band, or, as Michael said, the best band he has ever performed with. That Marcus took this role seriously and with buoyancy is not surprising to anyone. The man is about the music and making the guests happy.

On the middle day of the cruise, Marcus was the leader of what was undoubtedly, the coolest and best onboard, outdoor, poolside, late-night jam session ever. Lisa Fischer, Lynne Fiddmont, and Romeo Johnson were there to add first class vocals. Joining Marcus in the band was Music Director Eric Marienthal, Arlington Jones, Bill Heller, Jay Williams, Kevin Turner, Munyungo Jackson, Patches Stewart, and Nate Phillips. A tried-and-true Jazz Cruises “A” team.

I spent a lot of time this week walking around the ship watching people have fun. The intensity of the search for enjoyment is much greater in a shorter cruise. I learned that. Our longer cruises have a beginning, a middle and an end. Shorter cruises have none of the above. It is more of an “on your marks, get set, go”. Both are valid. Both are fun. But there is a different vibe, for sure. We had a great time on the cruise.

Again, this type of program is not our regular gig, but, as the cruise ended, we had but one regret. Sadly, the program was billed as “A One-Time Only Cruise Getaway”. We’ll see.

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

Botti at Sea ’25
The Botti Vibe Goes Sailing

One of the jazz magazines called the other day to talk about Botti at Sea II (’25). The writer had not sailed on Botti at Sea ’24, the inaugural sailing, but had recently attended a dinner at which two couples who had been on the cruise were sharing how much fun they had on the program.

One of the husbands, who was neither a cruise fan nor a music fan, told the group that it was the best people watching event in years. He could not remember seeing so many sophisticated and engaged people having so much fun.

I had not thought of the cruise in that way, but it was an apt description. Of course, that is the Botti Vibe. Elegant, talented, first-class, but also fun and exciting. Chris has collaborated with some of the top performers in the world, Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Frank Sinatra, and many more. Earning a Grammy^®, multiple Gold and Platinum records and a score of chart-topping jazz albums, Chris’ talents and excellence is in the upped end of the “no doubt” category.

But, as alluded to above, the Botti Vibe is more than that and it has never been in greater display than on the cruise. Botti at Sea II (’25) continues that party, every night is special aura that captivated the sold out sailing a few months ago.

With every day being either a gorgeous, fun filled day at sea or on a beach enjoying Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Every Night is a Night on The Town… dinner, a main show and then your choice of late night fun and excitement. 18X Grammy^® Winner David Foster performs with his famous wife, Katharine McPhee. 5X Grammy^® Winner Esperanza Spalding presents a magical show of great music and dance. Corinne Bailey Rae shows why she is an international star. Kamasi Washington, perhaps the most dynamic musician in jazz, will present his famous show. Kool & The Gang, an OG with great songs and pizzazz, will hit the stage. And, of course, Chris Botti and his amazing group of musicians and vocalists will mesmerize you. Ready to dance, Mindi Abair and an all star band are ready to make that happen. Add in the comedy of Alonzo Bodden and more.
Yes, you can catch the Botti Vibe on land. No one performs more than Chris Botti, but the “at sea” version of the Botti Vibe…now, that is special.

Newport Jazz Festival

The storied Newport Jazz Festival has just announced the lineup for its 70th edition, to be held August 2-4, 2024 at Fort Adams State Park in that iconic Northeast town. With Christian McBride at the helm as artistic director, the historic event features artists from a wide range of jazz genres and “jazz-leaning” genres. Among the 50 or so headliners are several artists who have sailed on our programs, including Kamasi Washington, Kenny Barron, Robert Glasper, Samara Joy, Artemis, Johnathan Blake and, of course, Christian himself who will lead a Jam Jawn group with special guests.

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Jazz Cruises’ ’25 Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25
Celebrating its 25^th Anniversary

The Jazz Cruise ’25 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.

BOOK NOW

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2
Starting its 3^rd Decade

With both sailings being fully reserved, guests wishing to sail on a ’25 sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise should JOIN WAITLIST now. Cancellations will be filled exclusively from the WAITLIST.

JOIN WAITLIST

Botti at Sea ’25

Botti at Sea II began “Open Booking” on March 5, 2024 and is over 50% reserved. Anyone may reserve any available stateroom either by calling the office during regular business hours or doing so online.

BOOK NOW

Journey of Jazz ’25
Jazz Life at Sea & On Land 
West Coast Style 

Jazz Cruises’ newest program, Journey of Jazz ’25, hosted by Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter is currently in the stateroom Selection Process for Pre-Sale Reservation holders. “Open Booking” will begin on April 30, 2024.

For more information about the cruise, the lineup of musicians (as of today), full itinerary, pricing and reservation process, go to www.journeyofjazz.com.

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The post OUR TAKE: Great Music is Just That…Great Music appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.