Music Review … with a Cruise Thrown In - Page 2

Check out this lineup: Lynyrd Skynyrd; Marshall Tucker; Molly Hatchet; 38 Special; Blackberry Smoke; Bang Camaro; Tom Hambridge and the Rattlesnakes; Oakhurst; Jupiter Coyote; Leslie; Gareth Asher; Defense Wins Championships; Brian Fechino; Heather Luttrell; Pat McGee; Scott Munns; Francisco Vidal; X Brothers.

I knew some of the lineup, but the ones I didn’t know before this trip are double the ones I knew or had even heard of. Man, I had to do some quick research, and then naturally I was forced to actually watch all their performances! I mean, I had no choice, right? I mean, it’s my job, isn’t it? [Wink, wink!]

I can say that every one of these musicians and groups who appeared put on great shows. Even the bands whose music I didn’t particularly care for I thought were great.

Lynyrd Skynyrd performed twice, but each person could see only one performance. The venue they appeared in, the largest on the ship, would not have held that number of people, so there was simply no way to fit all the partyers … I mean, passengers, yeah, that’s what I meant … into the place. Of course, I had to try to weasel my way in to both performances, but the lady wasn’t having it. She sneered so beautifully. Not really, just my humor. I did try the old “But I’m a journalist …” ploy but the lady was adamant. I got thrown out before I was even in.

Of course I had to drown my sorrows, so I just strolled up to another deck and listened to some really great, different music. And if I wanted to, I could even skip up to another deck and listen to some other, really great, different music.

I truly am unable to single out any particular performance that was better than the others. And that’s the way I have to leave it. The fantastic sunny weather, the great music, the great staff on the Carnival ship, the food, the company, the endless food, the fresh soft ice cream. Of course the best part was when you paused and thought, “Let’s see, what do I have to do today?” You pause again, pensive, then break into a wide grin, “Oh! That’s right. Nothin’!”

If any of the groups I named above appear in your area, I urge you to make it a point to see them.  They're worth the drive.  They've all got websites - just do your homework!

And all this fun and sun and suds is down to Simple Man Cruise!

Article Author: Lou Novacheck

Love music in just about all genres and forms. Love to travel. Been to 41 states, 2 provinces, 3 US possessions, and 34 countries on five continents, plus above the Artic Circle. Ex-military, ex-international sales, ex-self employed, and just about …

Visit Lou Novacheck's author page — Lou Novacheck's Blog