Upon the calm waters of Mission Bay, San Diego, the William D. Evans Sternwheeler set sail for a four-hour tour that was anything but calm. Six String Society’s 5th annual Mardi Gras cruise was full of party-loving passengers relishing in “Fat Tuesday” festivities. The majestic vessel’s three levels were buzzing with live music from several of San Diego’s exceptional bands.
The Piatt Pund Blues band rocked the 1st level with their Bluesy, jazz-infused, soulful sound early in the evening. On the 2nd level, the Zydeco Mudbugs played their Cajun jams, complete with accordions and washboards. The huge dance floor was hopping with guests two-steppin’ to the Mudbugs’ New Orleans Creo-style rhythms. Nathan James played his Handmade washboard guitar on the upper deck while singing his unique brand of blues that won him 1st place in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2007.
Later that same dance floor had a conga line going during the Euphoria Brass Bands version of “When the Saints Go Marching In” hymn. The band’s complete brass ensemble delivered authentic New Orleans Jazz. The music and the guests dancing with their bright beads and feathery costumes were like being in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras.
I headed back downstairs and stepped into a completely different atmosphere. Five-time San Diego music award winner Whitney Shay was belting out the blues. Her high-energy performance had the crowd bouncing.
I cruised up top to the upper deck for some fresh air and to hear country-rock bluesman, Andy Lewis. His old-style delta blues covers of older gems from the 20s and 30s were soulful and mingled nicely with the acoustics of the breaking water below. Several guests were relaxing and sipping on their cocktails, enjoying the night view.
The night wrapped up with two more outstanding bands. The Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas showcased their Celtic flare on the second level. The eight-piece acoustic band fused guitars, upright bass, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, Cajon accordion, and harmonica with gritty Irish vocals. The crowd was singing along with what I would describe as fun Irish Pub drinking songs.
The lower level was crackling with high energy from the R&B powerhouse The Tighten Ups singer Laura Jane Willcock’s gritty, unrelenting vocals delivered many Soul/R&B classics, including Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.” Unfortunately, unlike the Riverboat Queen, this vessel’s big wheel did not keep on turning, and we eventually docked. As the guests disembarked, I could tell by the smiles on their faces and the stagger… I mean swagger in their step; we weren’t the only ones who had a blast. BackStage360 would like to thank Six String Society and the staff aboard the Evan D. Williams for their hospitality, and we look forward to next year’s cruise.
JenB / BackStage360
