Fans of jazz, blues, and rhythm and blues are expected to converge on Love City Tuesday when the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise drops anchor off the coast of St. John. With help from the Tourism Department, a local lawmaker has released the lineup for a day of performances at locations in and around Cruz Bay.
On that day, 2,666 passengers on board Holland America’s ship, the Nieuw Statendam, are expected to join shoreside events where musical acts booked on the ship will perform. Tourism’s Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull invites residents and visitors to come enjoy the music and welcome those traveling with the sold-out cruise.
He even gave them a name: the Blues Cruise Cruisers, and passengers are expected to cruise between performances at Franklin Powell Park, Mongoose Junction Shopping Center, and popular party spots. “And you can engage with them, especially if you are into jazz, blues or rhythm and blues. Come show our visitors some hospitality,” Turnbull said.
Scheduled performances start at midday with Mitch Woods and Guests at the Windmill Bar in Susannaberg. Woods’ performance at the 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was nominated for the Best Live Blues Recording at that year’s Blues Blast Music Awards.
By 1 p.m., live music is expected to light up Cruz Bay with Zac Harmon & the Drive at Mongoose Junction and Kid Andersen’s Greaseland All Stars in Franklin Powell Park. Not too far away, at the Beach Bar, David Julia, Mike Ancona & the Crow’s Nest All Stars with Just Friends are expected to serve up renditions of blues and R&B tunes, seasoned with soul music.
Those who love reggae, gospel and blues-style rock tunes may find Zac Harmon and company their vibe of the day, while Kid Andersen’s All-Stars may stir up some dancing in the park with a funky mix of blues and soul tunes.
And to add some V.I. flavor, jazz vocalist Pam Love will join the day’s celebrations. Love was once a featured artist at Cruz Landing Restaurant in Powell Park and, of late, is making the scene at night spots in the Coral Bay Area. Backed up by guitarist Haile Israel, the pair promised to add their blues and soulful expressions to Tuesday’s artistry.
Visitors can also look forward to the appearance of dancing moko jumbies dressed in cultural costumes.
Turnbull credits Senator-at-Large Angel Bolques for putting Tuesday’s event together. The lawmaker is also the sponsor of Bill No. 36-0222, proclaiming Jan. 27 the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Day. “Angel Bolques came to us and wanted to partner with us. We are helping to facilitate a day for the passengers to experience St. John,” the Festivals director said.
In an announcement issued Friday, the bill’s sponsor invited everyone to “come out and celebrate our vibrant musical culture with artists from around the world, right here in the heart of the Virgin Islands.”
Other ships dropping off passengers on St. Thomas on Tuesday (many of whom make their way to St. John) include Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, Carnival Dream and Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sea.
