The Skinny: Setting sail on Celebration, this year’s JamCruise will make stops throughout Florida and the Bahamas. In addition to choice excursions, such as a fishing trip baited by MOFRO’s JJ Grey, JamCruise will feature multiple sets by artists like Galactic, Les Claypool, Col. Bruce Hampton’s Aquarium Rescue Unit, and a Jon Fishman-bolstered Jazz Mandolin Project. Marc Brownstein and Aron Mager will also DJ portions of their forthcoming electronic album with DJ Omen. Though they hail from Chicago, Umphrey’s McGee will also host a game of old-fashioned Texas Hold ‘Em. For cruisers hoping to catch a few extra rays before their ship departs, the North Mississippi Allstars and Col Bruce Hampton & The Codetalkers will host a pre-cruise party near the dock on January 5. Sold-out at press time, JamCruise is currently accepting names for a wait list. Madison House Travel is optimistic: “The list is short... cabins may open up and holds may be released, so it is worthwhile to get on the waitlist.” To get on it, please email
Particle’s Charlie Hitchcock on JamCruise: “Last year, we played an all-night set on the back of the boat until about 7:30 or 8 in the morning. All sorts of funny confrontations happened on that boat, in the dining room and what-not. It’s really about artists’ connection with their fans.”
