Not since 2017 has the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise brought its musical treasures ashore to the island of St. John. On Tuesday, promoters brought not one, but three live bands to liven up the place.
They also brought hundreds of passengers who disembarked from the Holland America Nieu Statendam to hop on safari bus tours, beach trips, shopping sprees, and to party.
By roughly 1 p.m., passengers had settled in by the bandstand at Franklin Powell Park, the Beach Bar, or headed out of town to the Windmill Bar with its picturesque backdrop to enjoy the afternoon.
It was a place where the locals came to play. Culture Bearer, Ital Anthony on percussion, drummer Lemuel Liburd on drums, and guitarist Dean Thomas sat in and helped drive the crowd to the dance floor.
Parked against the wall at the Beach Bar, passengers Randy and Pamela Hirsch said they frequently visit St. Croix but were enjoying their day on St. John. “We used to have a place on St. Croix,” Pamela Hirsch said, adding that once the ship made port in Key Largo, they would get off and head out to the big island.
Bar manager Jeff Jackson stood in the kitchen watching the staff make lunch. “It’s been very good; a very good day so far,” he said.
Locals and visitors also popped into the backyard at Mooie’s Bar near the Loredon Boynes Ferry Dock, where Chef Jasmine Mahabir from the Jas Spot prepared deep-fried macaroni and cheese on a stick
At the Windmill, Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88 entertained a mellow crowd enjoying lunch and a panoramic view of Sir Francis Drake Channel.
It was hard to tell which venue had the hot ticket: the Beach Bar or Powell Park, where Kid Andersen and the Greaseland All Stars kept the party going nonstop. Music fans filled the space, stopping to pursue the vendors selling clothes and souvenirs. Then came the youth dem. Eighteen-year-old Harrell Davenport was on vocals, guitar, and harmonica, and 24-year-old Sean “Mac” McDonald was on guitar.
The more they played, the thicker the crowd grew. Vocalist Lisa Andersen brought foot traffic to a halt with her soulful renditions.
Promoter and Blues Cruise founder Roger Naber said he’s been choosing the talent for popular cruises for more than 40 years. “We’ve always loved St. John, and it worked out for our itinerary this year,” Naber said.
The landside celebration was part of St. John Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Day, according to a measure passed in the 36th Legislature. Bill sponsor Angel Bolques said he was pleased with the turnout. “There’s actually over three thousand five hundred people who are on the ship that are potentially here right now on the island today,” the senator said.
Bolques also thanked Tourism and the Division of Festivals for their support in making Tuesday’s musical fete a reality. Officials hope the St. John Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise may become a seasonal attraction once every two years.
