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Posts Tagged ‘Vacation’

As a travel writer for Dunhill Vacations, I get to write about some real far out places. As exciting as some exotic escape to Asia or a brand new all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic, my favorite type of travel has always been cruising.  I enjoy the thought of being on a small city in the middle of the ocean.  I enjoy the sounds of the surf and the smell of the warm salty air. 

I was introduced to the wonderful world of jazz a little over 4 years ago on holiday up in St. Augustine, FL I stumbled upon a winery overlooking the oldest city in the US, listening to some Jazz. That moment has never left me and neither has my love of Jazz.

As a huge fan of Dave Koz, you can imagine my excitement when I found out about the 4th annual Dave Koz and Friends At Sea cruise.  I completely dropped the ball about reporting this last year, but I’m back on the good foot.  Dave Koz has been the first acts that I have ever seen perform live; and it was worth it.  The way he manipulates the sax into ’saying’ exactly what he wants it to say is mind blowing!  I spoke via the internet with a fellow fan that had gone two years ago on Dave’s cruise and he said that it was fabulous. 

Some of Dave’s friends will include Eric Benet, George Duke, Najee (another one of my personal favorites), Brian Simpson and other Grammy Award winning artists.  They will be getting the party started while making stops in Grand Turk, St. Thomas, St. Barth’s and Half Moon Cay.

If you can’t make this one, there is also the great Marcus Miller hosting the first ever Playboy Jazz Cruise. From the early days of the groundbreaking “Playboy After Dark” television show to the annual jazz poll in the magazine to the now 30 year old Playboy Jazz Festival, no one has done jazz better than Playboy.  Join host Marcus Miller and our very special artists for the inaugural sailing of the Playboy Jazz Cruise filled with some of the best contemporary jazz musicians.  The line up for this cruise is every bit a whose who is the world of jazz. Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, Keb’ Mo’ are just a small few of the talent boarding this ship.  This Playboy Jazz Cruise will be the first of many festivals at sea.  Ports of call for the Playboy Jazz Cruise include San Juan, Nevis, St. Barths and Hal Moon Cay.

Both cruises will be aboard Holland America.  Cruise with award winning, record breaking jazz musicians in the world today, and don’t forget to bring you favorite wine glass.

A  neighbor and dear friend complained about the dreariness that often sets in during March on the North East Coast. Yes, I agreed, March can be an endless month with gray skies and still no promise of Spring.

Why don’t you go to Sanibel for a week or two I suggested, and shorten the month with some sunshine and balmy weather?

At first she resisted, saying that she might get bored, devoted as she is to classical music and relying on live performances to brighten her spirits in the gloom of winter.

When I sent her the link to the Sanibel Music Festival, she lit up. “Oh, I can have sunshine and warm weather AND great music, too!” I helped her make her plans, including those to attend the Music Festival.

In a nutshell, this outstanding Festival of Music will include:

Tuesday, March 3, Trio Solisti

Comprised of three instrumentalists,  the trio has drawn high praise from The New York Times and the Washington Post.

Saturday, March 7 – Biava Quartet

The Biava Quartet, winner of the 2003 Naumburg Chamber Music Award, is recognized as one of today’s top young American quartets.

Tuesday, March 10 – Natalie Zhu, Piano

This young Chinese pianist enrolled at the Curtis Institute at age 15. There, she received the prestigious Rachmaninoff award and later went on to join the faculty as staff pianist.

Saturday, March 14 – David Finckel & Wu Han

Cellist David Finckel and his pianist wife, Wu Han have served as the Artistic Directors of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center since 2004.

Tuesday, March 17 – Prazak String Quartet

Now in its 35th year, the quartet is firmly established as one of chamber music’s pre-eminent string ensembles.

Saturday, March 21 – Opera Theater of Connecticut

Returning to SMF after triumphal appearances in 2007 and 2008, a select group of six of the company’s vocal artists will present an exciting new program of opera highlights.

Tuesday, March 24 – Pacifica String Quartet

The “brilliant Pacifica” (The New York Times) is the resident quartet at both the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago.

After I helped my friend with her accommodations and tickets, I had to ask myself why I was spending winter here in the northeast when sunshine and great music were so nearby.