MUSIC, MIRTH and MOJO - Delbert McClinton’s Sandy Beaches Cruise XXV

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What a week! I heard that a lot. I also heard a lot of singing, laughing, hooting and clapping as we traveled 1,887 miles from Fort Lauderdale to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and back, on the 25th sailing of Delbert McClinton’s Sandy Beaches Cruises on Holland America. The tone was set from the moment I put a foot onboard, the process was easy as could be. Bags were on their way to our cabins and we were greeted warmly by a line of staff that made us feel like we were the most

“Cruise Mom” Molly Reed put into every facet of our experience.

“Oosterdam" became our home for the week as we set sail with over 40 incredible, award winning musical groups, 1,848 or so passionate music fans and 781 officers and crew to spoil us rotten. This beautifully appointed ship has many staterooms that feature private decks that add a whole new dimension to traveling by sea. Fans and musicians alike mix and mingle everywhere! I could hear an artist playing on his balcony a level up as I tried to convince myself this was really happening. You eat meals together, ride elevators and enjoy the

traveling with their families and more relaxed, not having to shlep from gig to gig. There are combinations that organically happen, like, Titan of the Telecaster, Bill Kirchen, who sat in with many groups, much to their and our delight! Fabulous Thunderbirds leader and top Harmonica player, Kim Wilson was another that raised the bar on many sets, both energetically and musically.

You never have to worry about missing out on seeing your favorites because they schedule several set times. For instance, the uber popular

Guitarist Anson Funderburgh and drummer Willie McMains

special guests they had ever had. Delbert’s wife Wendy was the first to welcome me with a hug and swag bag that contained the important music schedule and a tremendously well done handbook, (also available online), that described in detail who would be playing with comprehensive bios. Everywhere you venture you feel the personal touches Wendy and

numerous amenities without separation, Marcia Ball is on almost every dance floor when she is not on stage playing! The music starts as we pull away from the dock at 5pm on Saturday and continues, almost round the clock until we call it a night, (or early morning), 7 days later. The performances have a different dynamic to them, the musicians are often

Lech Wierzynski from the California Honeydrops

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Mavericks had three shows, on different stages, all well attended. This ship had several indoor venues of varying size but I really dig the big outdoor pool stage under the warm sun during the day and blanket of stars at night. People were raving about the funk-a-licious goodness of The California Honeydrops, on the line up for the first time. The other funky good time was provided by Mingo Fishtrap and their soulful front man Roger Blevins Jr., they were on for their 15th trip.

Fresh from receiving the news of her Grammy Nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album, Here in Babylon, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps delivered their eclectic mix of New Orleans flavored Texas Blues. The audiences they drew were animated and hopefully contained some of the voters thatwill choose the winners in February! The Shinyribs hit the boat just as hard as they did Rhythm & Roots in RI the past couple years with similar results, people clamored for more of this entertaining power-group withcharismatic front man Kevin Russell. Casey

James, whom you may know from American Idol, season 9, finalist fame, was a breath of fresh air. He seems to be leaning more and more into the blues and will be releasing a new album soon! The music was all so moving but perhaps some of the most stirring songs came from powerhouse contemporary gospel singers The McCrary Sisters. Ann, Deborah, Regina and Alfreda brought us to church each time they opened their mouths in praise.

You may think that all this live music, nonstop food and bar service was decadent and you would be absolutely correct but there were so many acts of kindness that happened along the way as well. Most notably an inter-cultural benefit concert held in Old San Juan which featured headliners from the cruise and sold out within 48 hours, raising close to $15,000 for public school children. Another $25,000 was donated by cruisers who also hand delivered 385 backpacks filled with school supplies to students from Escuela FrancisoManrique Cabrera. This is all just a small sampling of what has emanated from a man that Rolling Stone called the “Godfather

The McCrary Sisters

of Americana Music”. Delbert graced the stage for the first time in Fort Worth, Texas and 62 years later at age 78 he is still thrilling us with sold out live shows, 26 albums of original material and good works that are making our world a better place. Read all about Delbert in the nationally acclaimed biography, One Of The Fortunate Few, (Texas A&M University Press) by Diana Finlay Hendricks.

Cruise #26 is already set for January 11, 2020, and from the look of the bookings they already had while onboard, it will be another sell out. For all details please visit sandybeachescruises.com

Alison Kaufman w/Delbert McClinton