Avery Dey reviews the 8th Annual 2014 Capital Jazz Super Cruise

The 2014 Capital Jazz Super Cruise
October 18^th – 26^th
By Avery Dey

We sailed from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Costa Rica, Panama, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Eight days and nights filled with fun, awesome performances, island excursions and overall grown and sexy fun for all who attended. Here’s the daily diary breakdown with some accompanying photos:

The first night’s performances were with the comedian Michael Colyar (who had us in tears from laughter) and Naturally 7 (who left us wanting more from this sensational a cappella group).  Later, we saw Anthony David’s performance... A-MAZ-ING!!! The night and day of day 1 concluded on a high note with dear friend Eric Roberson's (https://www.facebook.com/BlueErroSoul) performance.  Both he and D Mo gave a stellar performance as always

There were a wealth of options on this cruise, and on this particular day, Day 2 (and thereafter) started with various morning exercise classes.  Oh yeah The Capital Jazz SuperCruise (https://www.facebook.com/capjazzfestcruise) provides everything: Step classes, boot camp, Zumba and more with plenty of water.  Once the exercise courses concluded, the time came to determine what activities would be on the selection list for the day. I can't list them all, but there was something for everyone. I had the opportunity to sit in on the Q&A with R&B group Cameo. Before they started, Michael Colyar gave us a laugh and WHUR FM personality Tony Richards did his best to keep it together. The concerts were exemplary...but of course you knew they would be!!! The senses were treated for the football fans as the game between the Dallas Cowboys /NY Giants game was shown for a game party featuring plenty of trash talking and a DJ for the breaks. For the contemporary jazz fans the soothing sounds of Spyro Gyra http://www.spyrogyra.com/ and Fourplay http://www.fourplayjazz.com/ were featured in the main theater. For my neo soul/indie family, midnight concerts at the Underground Lounge were on fire with host Eric Roberson; and for my hip hop family, DJ Cut Creator had us bouncin’ in the nightclub.  That still didn’t cover the evening y’all! I got a chance to meet some new folks and hang out with great friends: Cece Peniston, David Dyson and Tony Richards.   I was also blessed to meet the legendary jazz group Fourplay. No time to take a breather!!!

Non-stop is how the Capital Jazz Fest/SuperCruise goes and on Day 3, there was no exception. We had the Old School pool party with Chubb Rock, Whodini and Big Daddy Kane.  We also had a gospel good time with a Mary Mary show in the same afternoon. And if that didn’t have you tired, it was funk night with Cameo and War doing their thing that night! Plus, Goapele gave a stellar, intimate concert as well. Then, at midnight there were was Gerald Veasley’s Late Night Jam session, Eric Roberson’s Soul Session and Joey Sommerville’s Get Down Club to chose from. ERRO hosted indie soul artists and Joey, indie jazz artists. Either way, you won!

This took us well into the next day, Day 4 where we made land in Costa Rica. What a beautiful location. The day could have been considered a break from all of the activities onboard; however we didn’t get too comfortable, because we got right back into it when we boarded the ship again. There was the Q&A with Kem hosted by Tony Richards.  Hats off to one the woman who asked the question…”Can I have a hug?” She asked and did receive.  The evening gave us performances by Kem and Ruben Studdard. There was no disappointment to be found anywhere. Ruben gave us some of his incredible music and brought the crowd to their feet with a few of songs from Luther Vandross. I believe he was truly channeling the man. Closing out the concert portion of the evening in the main theater was the electrifying performance by KEM. It was so incredible, I could say, “No words” except “WOW”!! Kem gave us both his classics and new music. However overall, he truly gave us the essence of Kem!!! If you’ve seen him perform, then you know what I mean.

Love was definitely in the house, as a couple who have been dating for six years took it to the next level. Yes indeed…a front row proposal (and acceptance). Not too shabby to have Kem right there as the question was asked. Here is a BIG Avery Dey congratulations to the newly engaged couple! The night’s activities concluded with Euge Groove and his jazzy sax along with Michael Colyar’s hilarious and off the chain performance. You would laugh so hard that all you could do afterwards is go to sleep so I left DJ Cut Creator to keep the party going with other cruisers who could hang!

Next there was Day 5, we arrived in Panama, oh Panama!! What a wonderful day with the Capital Jazz Fest/SuperCruise family. Once we boarded the ship again, then it was party time. Avery*Sunshine reminded us why her shows are not to be missed! There is so much energy with her show. She had us singing, clapping and dancing to her hits. She was joined on stage by Eric Roberson and it was nothing short of a hilarious, sangin’ good time. Together they added a little comedy and spice. Man…the show didn’t seem to last long enough. Also performing were Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum.  The DJs had their chance to shine too, with DJ Kemit hosting the House Music Party, DJ Frances Jaye with the Neo Soul Café, and DJ Clay doing it at the Slow Jam Party…YES, YES and, YES!

On Day 6, my girl CeCe Peniston got the party started on the pool deck, then the Chuck Brown Tribute Band took it to another level and had us rockin’ the boat for real. There was also a special afternoon performance by Harvey Mason, one of the extraordinary talents in Fourplay. The evening brought out the comedians and the comically dressed as we laughed with comedians Percy Crews, Ty Burnett and headliner, Sinbad (hosted by Michael Colyar). Later, we stepped back in time with Boogie Nights as the wardrobe theme! The men in platforms and the women in mini skirts partied the night away on the pool deck.

Day 7 found us in Ocho Rios as a diversion; we were originally set to visit Grand Cayman, but a storm decided otherwise. The weather may have been bad in the Caymans, but Carnival’s ship captain re-routed and The SuperCruise kept the party going without a hitch. After the day in Jamaica, we were treated to an afternoon performance by yet another uber-talented member of Fourplay, Nathan East. The evening’s features were the always-impressive Grammy Award winner, Lalah Hathaway and the soulful sounds of Raheem Devaughn. Jazz in Pink also had a great show followed by Eric Roberson’s Soul Sessions and Joey Sommerville’s Get Down Club to cap the late night performances.

Family… there was so much to do on The Capital Jazz SuperCruise. The final day came and it was a day packed with events. We had an enlightening conversation at the Old School Hip Hop panel discussion. Cruisers were given a chance to learn more about the talented group Naturally 7 (if you have not heard these men…shame on you). You had to attend these Q&A sessions!

On Day 8, the incredible woman and ultimate Diva, Ms. Patti Labelle, just gave us the show of a lifetime. There could be no better way to finish The Capital Jazz SuperCruise than to see this outstanding performance.  Overall family, the voyage was truly outstanding.

Next year we sail from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. I say we because I will mostassuredly be there. Make your reservations and travel plans now. This is an annual event that is not to be missed!