Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekStarting at the end? If you missed our prior coverage, check out Day One,  Day Two, Day Three and Day Four.Ok, we made it.This post covers the bittersweet final day of Jam Cruise. Your mind is saying, "I can do this...

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekOf course, this isn't the first day...  Here's Day One,  Day Two and Day Three.Day four was the trip's other destination day and we woke up docked in Costa Maya. The first scheduled music of the day wasnt until 6:00, so cruisers had the option of...

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekNot caught up?  Here's Day One and Day Two.Day three brought us to the first of two Days at Sea. By this time, fellow travelers are becoming familiar. You may have shared a ledge for Pigeons, or hung out next to each other on the stairs at Ivans...

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekIn case you missed it... our story begins on Day One.Day two started with waking up docked at MSCs owned island Ocean Cay. It still seems to be a work in progress. While nothing spectacular, it gives cruisers some beachfront on which to tan and jump in the ocean....

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekIts that magical time of the year when the musical aquatic traveling circus know as Jam Cruise sets sail for destinations that (::checks notes::) truly no one cares about when booking. I dont believe Im alone when asked where is the cruise going, and I answer Im not sure.......

Photos: Adam MiszewskiOysterhead was unlikely to begin with... so what does that make a reunion nearly 15 years later?Whether following along at home or packed inside in the sold-out 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, CO, it's hard not to feel nostalgic for something so fleeting, yet so singular.  Listen to a few notes...

By: Michael LepekIn a rare solo performance at the intimate Hyde Park listening room, The Promontory, James "Blood" Ulmer enchanted the audience with a 90 minute set of captivating music.Born in North Carolina as Willie James Ulmer, his career began in the 1960s, playing soul-infused jazz with progressive jazz legends such as Art Blakey, Larry...

By: Howard GreenblattSurrounded by beautiful massive trees dressed in draping Spanish moss, the 16th Annual Voice of the Wetlands Festival was held in Houma Louisiana on October 11-13.Organized by Tab Benoit, the Voice of the Wetlands Festival seeks to call attention to the disappearing swamp habitats in Southern Louisiana. Benoit says that the issue...

By: Howard GreenblattGov't Mule stopped into an old Chicago haunt in the midst of a fall tour which showed great love for the Midwest.The Riv has a perfect rock room vibe for the blues-based grind of Warren Haynes and company.The vibes flowed through the night's setlist, including an encore that paid tribute to...

By: Howard GreenblattThe City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events hosted the 36th annual Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park. The weather was mostly beautiful, the crowds were enthusiastic and the music was hot.Across multiple stages and three packed days, there was so much action, we couldn't contain it all ...