Only 20 cabins left for Jam Cruise 3, which sets sail in 100 days.

I wonder if the Dead had any idea what they were starting when they created an alternative world that professionals, politicians and other generally upright types could escape to periodically without much fear of recrimination. The Deadhead sticker on the Cadillac doesn't draw a second thought these days.

Carrying on that tradition of gentile temporary bohemia is Jam Cruise, soon to embark on its third incarnation:

Jam Cruise 3 will set sail from Jacksonville, Florida on January 6, 2005. 1800 Jam Cruisers will hit the high seas [funny] for 4 days aboard Carnival Cruiselines' Celebration. The ship will stop in Freeport, Bahamas and, fulfilling a popular request on a questionnaire filled out by last year's cruisers, will offer passengers two full days at sea to enjoy over 40 musical performances. The festival line up includes Galactic, Les Claypool, Sound Tribe Sector 9, Keller Williams, Col Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Jazz Mandolin Project featuring Jamie Masefield and Jon Fishman, Zilla featuring Michael Travis, The Remarkable Elba Kramer featuring Kyle Hollingsworth, North Mississippi Allstars, Ozomatli, Peter Rowan & Tony Rice, Robert Walter's 20th Congress, Umphrey's McGee, Garaj Mahal, MOFRO, Benevento/Russo Duo, Tishamingo, DJ Logic, and DJ Harry. In addition to incredible performances by many of the genre's most celebrated musical pioneers, the Jam Cruise experience promises once-in-a-lifetime artist collaborations and opportunities for hang time with the musicians who are so often inaccessible backstage.

One of the many musical highlights of this floating festival is sure to be the rare reunion performance of what some believe is the original jam band: Col. Bruce and the Aquarium Rescue Unit. ARU first busted onto the scene in 1988. In fact, there wasn't really even a jam band scene yet; Jerry Garcia was still alive and well and most of the improvisational music lovers were busy with The Grateful Dead's non-stop touring schedule. Still, a handful of young bands were starting to hit the clubs and festivals. ARU released two albums on Capricorn Records, in 1991 and 1993, and embarked on the H.O.R.D.E festival during the summers of 1992 and 1993, where they met fellow musicians Phish, Widespread Panic, and Blues Traveler. Cross pollination between bands was frequent, with members of ARU frequently guesting on-stage or in the studio with the others.

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