Celebrating the Heritage of Playboy Jazz on the High Seas

Added: (Sat Sep 20 2008)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Celebrating the Heritage of Playboy Jazz on the High Seas

Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller lead all star line-up for first ever Playboy Jazz Cruise


Jazz Cruises, LLC today announced an international lineup of stars for a worldwide audience on the inaugural sailing of the Playboy Jazz Cruise. This full-ship charter is hosted by legendary jazz great Marcus Miller, with special guest Herbie Hancock, along with a line-up of the world’s most vibrant and celebrated jazz superstars. While “Playboy” is in the name, this is all about the music, musicians and jazz heritage that Playboy has fostered for nearly 50 years. From “Playboy after Dark,” to the now 30-year-old Playboy Jazz Festival, this excursion will be fueled by rhythm, heart, soul and sound.

Unlike traditional concerts, this cruise is the ultimate in experiential jazz immersion. Performers do not walk on stage, perform a set and disappear; there is genuine involvement with the artists, from late-night jam sessions, dining together, casual conversation, autograph sessions, and of course, the performances. “The people who come on these kinds of cruises love music, they are so crazy about music,” says Marcus Miller. “After you play, you’re talking with people and it becomes a family – we love it.”

Joining Miller and Hancock on the week-long cruise will be vocalist Dianne Reeves, considered one of the pre-eminent female jazz vocalists in the world. Festival favorite, blues guitarist and singer songwriter Keb’ Mo’, will bring his distinct brand of blues to the mix. And jazz storyteller Poncho Sanchez, leader of the most popular Latin jazz group in the world, will bring the crowd to their feet with his eclectic Afro-Cuban bebop rhythms.

One of the most enduring figures in modern jazz, master saxophonist James Moody will also perform, as will premier trumpeter Roy Hargrove, saxophone virtuoso James Carter, and dazzling young jazz pianist Eldar. Rounding out the expansive lineup is vocalist Roberta Gambarini and the New Birth Brass Band hailing from New Orleans.

“Our hallmark is creating a total environment for the production and enjoyment of the music. When you combine that with legendary performances, the luxury of a first-class ship, the exotic and exciting ports of call, and the thrill of sharing the passion of the jazz experience with fellow enthusiasts, the result is a vacation unlike any other,” says Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of Jazz Cruises LLC. “I think Dianne Reeves best described the experience when she said that it’s going to be magical.”

This one-of-a-kind opportunity will set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Holland America’s m/s Westerdam, from January 25th to February 1st, 2009. In addition to the world-class musical talent aboard the ship, this cruise will visit ports of call that are alive with the spirit of jazz, including San Juan, St. Barths, Nevis, and the private island of Half Moon Cay.

For cruise reservation or more information on the Playboy Jazz Cruise, please call 1-866-923-7269, or visit us at www.playboyjazzcruise.com.


Jazz Cruises, LLC remains the first and only producer and owner of full-ship jazz charters in the world, offering four phenomenal experiential cruises, including: The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise and the Playboy Jazz Cruise. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the organization strives to unite the world’s top talent with those who share the passion for jazz and its heritage.

For more information on Jazz Cruises, LLC, visit www.jazzcruisesllc.com.