Jam Cruise 19: Day Five Offers Sets by Oteil & Friends, Ivan Neville, Umphrey’s McGee and More
Photo Credit: Hana Gustafson
On Friday, Feb. 10, Jam Cruise stopped on the island of Grand Turk, in Turks and Caicos. Before docking, early morning risers were greeted by whales, including a mother and calf, who swam alongside the vessel. After folks meandered on land, they returned to the boat, and the music resumed on the Pool Deck around 6 p.m. Andy Frasco & The U.N. restarted the party and marked their bandleader’s 35th birthday with expected shenanigans.
Elsewhere, Ivan Neville arrived in the Atrium and treated spectators to an all-star display. Special moments included a cover of the Sly & The Family Stone favorite, “It’s A Family Affair,” and The Five Stairsteps’ “O-o-h Child,” which saw contributions from fellow musicians Tony Hall, John Michael Bradford, Judith Hill, Shira Elias, amongst others.
After Neville wrapped his set, Paul Hoffman made himself known on the Pool Deck after hopping on the boat earlier in the day. On stage were members of The Lil Smokies and Fruition; they worked through a selection of Greensky Bluegrass staples. Later, the frontman welcomed The Horn Section to assist on “All I Need” and “Leap Year.”
At the same time Hoffman was rocking, Trouble No More began their frame in the Pantheon Theater. There, they delivered favored takes on The Allman Brothers Band’s “Blue Sky,” with added riffs by Isaiah Sharkey. Simultaneously, Honey Island Swamp Band brought the funk to the Black & White Lounge.
The highly anticipated Oteil & Friends set took place on the Pool Deck at about half past 10 p.m. During the performance, Jen Hartswick took the lead on Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart,” the ensemble also delivered “Cats Under Stars,” which included stunning solos before a proposal of marriage occurred. As a perfect pairing for the moment, the band jumped into “They Love Each Other” to celebrate the happy couple.
As the evening stretched, music continued with a jammed-out set by Umphrey’s McGee, who rocked the Pool Deck into the morning hours. Later on, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer arrived in the Jam Room. During the set, the musician brought out an extensive group of guests and rocked into the morning hours.
The final day of Jam Cruise 19 will occur on Saturday, Feb. 11. Read more about the floating festival here.
