Florida is full of things to do, and no doubt cruising is one of the most popular. FMN’s Richard Gallagher recently spent a week pursuing hidden gems in one of his passions: the Blues. Read Richard’s account of what he discovered on the Norwegian Gem during a “Blues Cruise” from Miami last week.
Our ship rolled and pitched on the waves; I was up earlier for a set of morning acoustic blues. The young serine from Ireland sat on the stage with only her guitar and enchanted the audience with her voice. A soft pitch female voice that never lost its Irish lilt. Seventeen-year-old Muireann Bradley from Ballybofey in County Down was singing Candy Man Blues by Mississippi John Hurt, recorded almost a hundred years ago in 1928. My thoughts riding those acoustic troughs and crests were what possesses this young girl to sing his blues?
How do blues transcend oceans, languages, and generations—by some cosmic force weaving through the ether? What is it that plucks a young girl from Ireland, and plants in her soul the wrenching tales of a Mississippi Delta laborer from a century past?
Is it “spooky action at a distance,” [a phrase Albert Einstein used to describe quantum entanglement], dark matter, or some unseen hand passing the baton across cultures and genders? Maybe string theory. The blues carries loss, pain, and disrespect in its DNA, yet it speaks universally—Beth Hart’s gravelly cries echoing the same ache as a field holler, Bonamassa’s riffs channeling a lineage that defies submissiveness. Maybe it’s the music’s raw honesty that bridges these divides, a cosmic vibration in B-flat that the universe uses to finds its next carrier by a shared, unspoken resonance with life’s hardest edges.
The Road to the Blues on I-95
The sun still hadn’t peeked over the horizon yet, my wife and I were dragging our bags to the car and our dog needed to be dropped off at Hound Town to be boarded while we were away on our cruise. Our destination? The Port of Miami. The drive would be fueled by excitement and a playlist of Joe Bonamassa’s greatest guitar riffs setting the stage for an unforgettable time aboard the Norwegian Gem for the tenth year of Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea.
You will really get the blues if you miss the cruise. Getting there for us meant navigating the 180-mile stretch of I-95 South from Cape Canaveral to Miami. The drive is straightforward—keep on I-95 South through Cocoa, past Melbourne, and down through Palm Beach, where traffic gets thick. We fueled up in Fort Piece at the last Love’s Truck Stop at I-95 and I-70—easy on/off gas stations thin out closer to Miami—and pack some snacks, because there are always delays through Miami. At the first opportunity we get in the left high occupancy lane (HOV) at Florida’s 706 in Jupitar and stay there until it turns into the express toll lanes in Fort Lauderdale, it is worth every dollar. As we hit Miami-Dade County, we followed signs for the Port of Miami via I-95 to the exit at Biscayne Boulevard, drove through the tunnel under Biscayne Bay to the terminals. Parking’s a breeze at the port garage but arrive by noon to snag a spot. It helps us to take a cellphone picture of our car’s location and condition we left it in, just in case of damage or what not. Paying for parking is all automated now, so don’t lose your picking ticket stub.
On top of the parking deck, we caught our first glimpse of the Norwegian Gem, a floating paradise ready to emerge us in the blues.
The Voyage Begins
Sailing from March 21-26, 2025, Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea X was an extravaganza, extended to five days to celebrate its tenth anniversary. Hosted by the legendary Joe Bonamassa, the cruise departed Miami bound for two stunning ports: Harvest Caye, Belize, and Costa Maya, Mexico. The ship itself was perfect, boasting serene spa services, a variety of dining options, and a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly complemented the non-stop music echoing through its decks.
The All-Star Lineup
The heart of this cruise was its incredible lineup of artists, a mix of blues rock titans and rising stars who brought the genre to life. Here’s a rundown of some of the standout performers:
- Joe Bonamassa: The mastermind behind KTBAS X, Bonamassa anchored the cruise with two headline Pool Deck sets and a third jam secession with Jimmie Vivino that defined its 10th year. Born May 8, 1977, in New Hartford, New York, he is a prodigy opening for B.B. King at 12. With 50 solo albums—28 topping Billboard Blues charts—and four Grammy nominations, his latest Redemption (2018) showcases a fiery blend of Hendrix-inspired licks and Delta soul.
- Eric Gales: Memphis-born Eric Gales turned KTBAS X into a guitar inferno, his upside-down, left-handed style igniting the Norwegian Gem. Born October 29, 1974, he learned from his brothers at four, debuting with Elektra at 16 on The Eric Gales Band (1991). A 2022 Grammy nominee for Crown (co-produced with Bonamassa), he fuses Hendrix’s wildness with B.B. King’s soul— his “John Henry” duet with Joe was a “face-melter” stretching intros into raw, defiant sermons that cast flaming sparks from their fret boards!
- Christone “Kingfish” Ingram: Clarksdale’s Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, at just 26, carried the Delta’s torch to KTBAS X with a late-night Spinnaker and Stardust sets that X fans adored. Born January 19, 1999, in Mississippi, he grabbed a Grammy for 662 (2021), mentored by Buddy Guy. His guitar weeps with old-soul depth—tracks like “Outside of This Town” blend vintage bends with modern sting—proving the blues’ future is bright on the open sea.
- Samantha Fish: Kansas City’s Samantha Fish brought her guitar and fierce voice to KTBAS X, smoking up Jimmy Vivino’s All-Star jam. Born January 30, 1989, she’s defied blues norms since her 2009 debut, with Faster (2021) earning acclaim for cuts like “Twisted Ambition.” A KTBAS regular, her Atrium set—called “twisted” on X—mixed gritty riffs and wild energy, a perfect storm of roots and rebellion.
- Jimmy Vivino: Jersey’s Jimmy Vivino, the cruise’s jam architect, led an All-Star Super Session at KTBAS X that X dubbed “chaotic genius.” Born January 10, 1955, in Glen Rock, he’s a blues-rock veteran and former Conan bandleader. With soulful chops and a knack for collabs—think “The Thrill Is Gone” with Fish and Gales—he turned the Gem into a sweaty, communal blues hub, steering the wildest moments.
- Larkin Poe: Atlanta sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, aka Larkin Poe, stung KTBAS X with their slide-guitar swagger on the Pool Deck. Born 1991 and 1989, they’ve evolved from bluegrass to Grammy-winning roots-rock with Blood Harmony (2022). Their “Bad Spell” riffs and tight harmonies—praised as “southern fire” on X—channel a fierce family legacy, electrifying the cruise crowd.
- Joanne Shaw Taylor: British blues-rocker Joanne Shaw Taylor filled KTBAS X with her smoky voice and blazing guitar. Born 1986 in Wednesbury, England, she was spotted by Dave Stewart at 16. Her 2024 album Heavy Soul—with “Black Magic”—mixes soulful grit and fretboard fire; X fans noted her “sultry power,” a commanding presence echoing years on KTBAS.
- Big Head Todd and the Monsters: Colorado’s Big Head Todd and the Monsters hosted a “Big Head Blues Club” tribute at KTBAS X, keeping it soulful and loose. Led by Todd Park Mohr (born 1965), they’ve jammed since 1986, hitting cult status with Sister Sweetly (1993). Their 60s-inspired blues-rock—maybe “Crossroads” per X—offered a mellow groove to balance the Gem’s high-octane nights.
- Taj Farrant: Aussie teen Taj Farrant wowed KTBAS X with youthful guitar fire, a next-gen talent stealing the spotlight. Born 2008 in Perth, he went viral at 10 covering Guns N’ Roses and was featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. His raw bends and fearless solos—X chatter calls him a “prodigy”—signal a bright blues future, fresh and bold on the Gem.
- Robert Jon & the Wreck: Southern California’s Robert Jon & the Wreck cranked up KTBAS X with rugged roots-rock energy. Led by Robert Jon Burrison (born 1988), this quintet’s 2023 album Ride into the Light blends blues and southern grit and a road-worn sound tailor-made for the cruise’s open-sea spirit.
The lineup was rounded out by other talents, each contributing to the rich tapestry of sound that filled the Norwegian Gem. From rare collaborations to intimate acoustic mornings, the artists ensured there was never a dull moment.
Major Activities Onboard
Beyond the music, the cruise was packed with unique activities that made it a blues lover’s dream. One standout was the live taping of Joe Bonamassa’s Live from Nerdville podcast, where he sat down with guests for candid conversations—being in the audience felt like an exclusive peek behind the curtain. During this year’s podcast Joe spoke with Todd Mohr, Samantha Fish, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Judith Hill.
I really enjoyed listing to Todd talk about the beginning of blues rock and radio producers telling them they had time for guitar solos which paved the wave for so many other greats like Joe. Todd told the origin story of their name coming from an homage to Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson. Todd also reminisced about playing with John Lee Hooker and recording Boom Boom. He recalls John Lee Hooker stepping out of a black Cadilac with three large biker woman and a big cloud of smoke. The first thing he asked for at 9 in the morning was “where’s the keg, where’s the pot and where’s the Miller Lite?”
When Joe interviewed Samantha Fish, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Judith Hill he was frank about the blues being a “boys-club” and asked them to share what they learned. Joanne omitted to feeling very uncomfortable as a 13-year-old girl starting out and being surround by older men in the audience and on stage and that it wasn’t until her 30’s and 40’s that she stared to feel comfortable in her own skin. A big part that was learning where the “switch” was to turn off and on the performer from the person.
Judith Hill spoke about her new album Letters from a Black Widow and the painful time in her life that inspired the album as a cathartic and defiant answer to internet trolls that sought to blame her for the deaths of Michael Jackson and Prince. She told The New York Times in April 2024, [Letters from a Black Widow] was her reclaiming the narrative—turning “an ocean of darkness into expressive fire.”
The meet-and-greet with Joe was another thrill for many fans who paid the 500-dollar donation to Joe’s foundation Keeping the Blues Alive. I opted to take advantage of the autograph sessions with other artists. I also loved to listen to and photograph the guest jams with many of the other passengers.
The Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation experiences were a heartwarming touch, raising funds for music education through events like the Foundation Gala and the Sip and Savor event. Knowing the cruise supported such a worthy cause added an extra layer of joy to the festivities.
Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation
The Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 by Joe Bonamassa, aimed at preserving and promoting the blues while ensuring its legacy thrives for future generations. Based in Deerfield Beach, Florida, it’s a 501(c)(3) that channels its efforts into two main pillars: supporting music education and aiding musicians in need.
At its core, KTBA focuses on keeping music—especially the blues—alive in schools. It funds projects, scholarships, and grants to provide students and teachers with resources like instruments, sheet music, and recording gear, particularly in underfunded districts where arts programs often face cuts. Since starting, it’s donated over $3 million, impacting more than 110,000 students across all 50 states, per their site and Bonamassa’s June 2024 X post. Weekly donations drive this mission, fueled by partnerships with Ernie Ball, Guitar Center, and fan-driven events like the KTBAS cruise, which raised nearly $500,000 over a decade.
Beyond education, KTBA stepped up during the COVID-19 crisis with the Fueling Musicians Program, launched in 2020. This emergency relief effort has distributed over $600,000 in grants to 400+ touring artists slammed by gig cancellations—covering essentials like rent and food. Musicians like those on X have called it a “lifesaver,” with some, per GreatNonprofits reviews, crediting it for keeping them afloat through 2021’s lingering shutdowns.
The foundation ties into the blues’ roots—born from African American struggles, as Willie Dixon said, “the root” of modern music. KTBA’s work, from archiving artist stories on YouTube to launching Keeping the Blues Alive Records (10% of profits fund the cause), reflects Bonamassa’s push to “pass the torch.” It’s less about nostalgia and more about defiance—ensuring the blues, and music education, don’t fade under budget axes or cultural neglect
Tropical Destinations
The Norwegian Gem’s itinerary included two breathtaking stops that broke up the musical marathon with some shore-side exploration. Harvest Caye, Belize, greeted us with pristine beaches and lush greenery. We opted for a kayak tour through the mangroves, a peaceful escape that contrasted beautifully with the ship’s lively vibe. In Costa Maya, Mexico, we wandered the vibrant port village, sipping a cold drink and soaking in the coastal charm before reboarding for more music.
An Unforgettable Experience
As the cruise wound down and we sailed back to Miami on March 26, 2025—coincidentally, the very day I’m writing this—I couldn’t help but reflect on the whirlwind of the past week. Driving back to Cape Canaveral, I replayed the highlights in my mind: Joe Bonamassa’s and Eric Gales’s searing solos, and the camaraderie of a ship full of blues fans. The Norwegian Gem had been more than a vessel—it was a floating stage for memories that keep the blues alive!
Next year’s Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea XI promises to crank the blues-rock dial to 11, sailing March 25-29, 2026, from Miami aboard the Norwegian Pearl. It will hit Key West, Florida, and Nassau, Bahamas, blending sun-soaked ports with a lineup primed to deliver electrifying jams by Beth Hart’s soul-shredding vocals, Los Lonely Boys’ Tex-Mex grooves, and Tommy Emmanuel’s acoustic wizardry, with more heavy hitters like Robert Randolph and Ruthie Foster still to be announced. The cruise is already sold out but spots on the waiting list are open and there is a second cruise to Alaska. Visit Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea – March 25-29, 2026
