Col. Bruce and ARU would leave the spotlight as quickly as they came into it, but not before planting the seeds of a music community and culture that would someday thrive, under the radar, in clubs and theatres and festival grounds around the world. The band was led by the genius antics of Col. Bruce Hampton and the band included Oteil Burbridge (bass), Jimmy Herring (guitar), Jeff Sipe (drums), and Matt Mundy (mandolin). ARU's cosmic funk blend of Delta Blues and bluegrass blew the minds of many. Their community conscious spirit set the stage for the quiet music revolution that would follow Jerry Garcia's passing and their impeccable chops would become a template for future work in the jam band genre.

And now, after earning mythical status via absence, Col. Bruce and the Aquarium Rescue Unit (minus Mundy who retired from professional music in 1993) are back for a small handful of reunion shows, including their very special Jam Cruise 3 appearance. A band before their time, ARU's sound is still as zany and fresh as ever, their songs are timeless, and their chops, well they haven't set down their instruments since the band split.

Only twenty cabins remain! Prices range from $550 to $1125.00 per person, plus port charges, service fees and gratuities. Call 303.544.0191 or visit www.jamcruise.com for reservations aboard Jam Cruise 3. That's taking the "booze cruise" theme to its farthest extension - sounds absolutely wild. That's tremendous musical variety as well: from the bluegrass of Peter Rowan and Tony Rice, to the jammy jazz of Robert Walter and Karl Denson, to the true jam band groove of Galactic, to the electro beats of DJ Logic and the organic groove of DJ Harry, to the Southern blues 'n' roll of the great North Mississippi Allstars, and the Colonel, Ozo, and Les! It's a Bonnaroo in a box! This I would attend.