January 9-14 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Labadee, Haiti – Falmouth, Jamaice
10th year – Estimated attendance: 2,000
2011 Lineup: DJ Logic, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Umphrey’s McGee, The Heavy Pets, Break Science w/ Chali 2na, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, 7 Walkers, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Robert Walter, George Porter & The Runnin’ Pardners, Paper Diamond, Keller & The Keels, Sly & The Family Stone, Galactic, EOTO, The New Mastersounds, Fat Mannequin, Nathan Moore, Dead Kenny G’s, Orgone, Surprise Me Mr. Davis, Railroad Earth, The New Deal, Ozomatli, Omega Moos, That 1 Guy, Dr. Klaw, Soulive, Perpetual Grove, Zach Deputy, Toubab Krewe, Toots and The Maytals, Tony Hall Super Jam, Marco Benevento, Lettuce.
Special Guests: Steve Kimock, Robert Walter, Anders Osborne, Col. Bruce Hampton, Big Sam, Kyle Hollingsworth, Chali 2na, John Oates, Jessica Lurie, Anders Beck.
Solo Artist: Brock Butler, Ryan Montbleau, Nathan Moore.
Festival Website: http://www.jamcruise.com/2012/
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High 70s to low 80s temperature and steady sunshine for all six days of sailing and when docked in Haiti and Jamaica. There were beautiful sunsets every evening and the nights were just cool enough to encourage dancing and costumes of all kinds.
There were two small sprinkles, one of which was severely necessary during Karl Denson and Anders Osborne’s cover of The Rolling Stone’s album “Sticky Fingers,” perfectly kicking off the rocking bad-ass vibe for the evening pool deck stage.
Five Highlights
Omega Moos with John Oates. The New Deal’s Darren Shearer and Jamie Shields and Umphrey’s McGee’s Brendan Bayliss and Ryan Stasik were joined by the rock legend for a few classic tunes.
“This is one of the most amazing musical experiences of my life,” Oates said before the all-star group covered Hall and Oates hits “Maneater,” “Out of Touch” and “I Can’t Go For That.”
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| Photo Credit: Jacqueline Daoust |
Creating a 'Positive Legacy.' People in the jam scene pride themselves as music listeners with purpose. We care about the environment and others. There is simply no point in any of it, unless we give back.
This was truly evident when we docked in Haiti. Positive Legacy, a charity started by Cloud 9, had set up relief efforts and charitable outreach in Haiti before we set sail. Shoes were donated and trees planted followed by a conscious beach party concert from Zach Deputy and Toubab Krewe. It was simply a reminder of why we all love Jam Cruise.
Bittersweet symphony. The New Deal’s final performance on the pool deck provided jammers with a much needed dose of bouncy electronic music, though it was sad to see them go.
Say 'Cheese.' The free photo booth in the Zebra Lounge was at your disposal to take pictures with new and old friends. A great way to capture each moment.
All work and all play. The MSC boat crew seemed to have just as much fun on Jam Cruise as the patrons themselves.
New DJ sounds. Pete Shand from The New Mastersounds doing a DJ set.
Cashed Elevator. This year you had a chance to possibly step into the Cashed Elevator. Ten levels of questions could take you to the top of the ship and gave you a chance to win your Jam Cruise 11 deposit.
Favorite Covers
Umphrey’s McGee – “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover” by Paul Simon
Trombone Shorty with Corey Glover, Ryan Montbleau, Corey Henry, Big Sam, Dirty Dozen Brass Band Horns, Roosevelt, and Galactic – “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
Toubab Krewe – “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People
Eric Krasno (Lettuce) with Toubab Krewe for the last set of Jam Cruise 10 on the pool deck.
Michael Blair (Under the Porch) with Brock Butler during sunset on solar stage.
Gary Paulo and Michael Blair (Under the Porch) with Perpetual Groove.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere on Jam Cruise is like no other music festival. Just the fact that each cruiser has put forth so much effort throughout the year to be there makes every attendee uniquely amazing and artistic. Put all of those incredible people on one cruise ship and it’s a recipe for heavy good vibes.
There’s also the fact around each corner you could be face to face with your favorite musician. Even better, sometimes you get to watch a show with them. There is no other music festival that gives fans this opportunity, resulting in an ambiance like no other musical gathering.
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| Photo Credit: Jacqueline Daoust |
But it is truly the costumes and theme nights that set the pace for the festival. The first night had a “Yacht Club” theme where the vibe was classy to the max. The second night, even though not announced by Cloud Nine, was “Zebra Night” with animalistic prints all over the place.
“Green Night” was beautifully interpreted by all, whether it was representing their favorite green sports team or spandex leotard, a hint of environmental awareness also meandered around the boat.
The final night was nothing but futuristic fabulous with a “Mothership Masquerade” theme and tons of New Orleans music to back up those costumes.
Best Pictures
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| Photo Credit: Jacqueline Daoust |
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| Photo Credit: Jacqueline Daoust |
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| Photo Credit: Jacqueline Daoust |
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Check out our coverage of all your favorite summer festivals in our 2012 Festival Guide.
What did you think of Jam Cruise 10? Highlights, lowlights and surprises. Let us know in the comments below.
