Michael McDonald Patti LaBelle Cruise - A One-Time Only Cruise Getaway

Lineup

Michael McDonald

Patti LaBelle

George Wallace

Comedian

By the age of six, George Wallace knew he wanted to be a comedian. He always enjoyed making people laugh, but he also knew the importance of an education. He attended the University of Akron, Ohio and upon graduating with degrees in Transportation, Marketing/Advertising, plus advance studies in Radio and Television from Columbia School of Broadcasting. Literally, a rags-to-riches story, Wallace went from selling rags to VP of Advertising. Still, his dream of being a comedian had a strong hold on him. Within a week of leaving the advertising field, he began to perform stand-up comedy and was offered a job writing for “The Redd Foxx Show.” Wallace is currently pursuing dual coursework at University of Phoenix and DeVry. With his writing and stand-up experience, Wallace began landing television appearances. Wallace was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 Soul Train/Centric Comedy All-Star Awards; and won Best Stand Up Comedian at the prestigious American Comedy Awards after four consecutive nominations. As a veteran radio personality, he has also made appearances on “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” and is a charter member of “The Tom Joyner Morning Show.” In 2004 Wallace appeared as the headlining star of his own show at The Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas for a 30 day run. Sin City showed its admiration by extending Wallace’s contract indefinitely and nicknaming him “The New Mr. Vegas.” Unlike any other comedy show in Las Vegas, Wallace gave away a number of prizes every night including CDs, DVDs, diamond necklaces, dinner at prestigious restaurants, gourmet chocolates, tropical cruises and even a new car. He celebrated his 10th Anniversary headlining at the Flamingo in March 2014, announced he was closing the show to head back out on the road. Wallace regularly performs in comedy clubs across the country and is an ambassador for the United States government, performing at military bases all over the world. His first book, LAFF IT OFF (Chaite Press) was published in 2014. A tome of life wisdom, humor and insight from a lifetime of observation, the book is in its third printing. www.georgewallace.net Wallace’s most recognized material is his “I Be Thinkin’” lines and jokes about everything from conversational thoughts to political aspirations. Each show he engages members of the audience in comical banter. If provoked, he might even throw out a few of his signature “Yo Mama” jokes. He shows his gratitude to the audience by signing autographs and taking photos after every show. Audience members never know what will happen at the George Wallace show. Wallace is an evolving comedian, which is why his show is different every night. He’s always thinkin’. Fans can now get a taste of what Wallace be thinkin’ on Twitter @MrGeorgeWallace.

Marcus Miller

Host

Alonzo Bodden

Comedian

A regular panel member on Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me, Jazz Cruises comic and event host Alonzo Bodden has been making audiences around the country laugh for more than 20 years. Alonzo’s first big comedy break came when he was on the “New Faces of Comedy” showcase at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. However, it was as the season three winner of NBCʼs Last Comic Standing, where Alonzo was first introduced to America. Since then, he has starred in two comedy specials for Showtime: Historically Incorrect and Who’s Paying Attention. His television appearances include ABC’s Dr. Ken and Fresh Off the Boat, Dr. Phil, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and Californication. A car and motorcycle aficionado, Alonzo hosted Speed Channel’s 101 Cars You Must Drive and America’s Worst Driver on the Travel Channel. He’s also joined Jay Leno for several off-road trips on his CNBC series Jay Leno’s Garage. Alonzo was a field correspondent on Animal Nation with Anthony Anderson, and a contributor on the Science Channel’s How to Build Everything. Alonzo released his fifth comedy CD titled Man Overboard in 2018. He currently hosts the podcast Who’s Paying Attention? and his own daily radio show on KBLA-AM 1580 in Los Angeles where he gives his unique take on what’s going on in the world. In August 2019, Alonzo starred in his fourth stand-up special, Alonzo Bodden: Heavy Lightweight, which premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. In the special, he touches upon a range of topics from slavery, cell phones and the #MeToo movement, to millennials, Kanye West and Taco Bell. Alonzo has been the comic in residence for Jazz Cruises for many years now and has become one of the leaders and drivers of our program.

Lisa Fischer

After four decades of featured background singing with icons like Luther Vandross, The Rolling Stones, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, and Nine Inch Nails, Lisa Fischer set out to take center stage with her own humble, heartfelt song. The 2013 Best Documentary Oscar winning film Twenty Feet from Stardom altered the course of Fischer’s musical journey, telling her story, with clips of her legendary duets with Sting or with Mick Jagger on “Gimme Shelter,” left audiences eager to see and hear more, so Fischer took the chance to set out on her own reinventing classic songs with her co-conspirators JC Maillard and Grand Baton. Their organic fusion of Caribbean psychedelic soul and jazzy progressive rock ignited Fischer’s flexibility and freedom of expression, awakening her lifelong desire to make music that heals but still rocks the house. While Fischer’s range is legendary, her greatest gift is the ability to connect, to reach the hearts of her listeners. Raised in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, she emerged from New York’s fervent studio scene in the early 1980s, sang for two decades with legendary vocalist Luther Vandross, and released So Intense, earning her first Best R&B Performance Grammy with “How Can I Ease the Pain.” She joined the Rolling Stones for their 1989 Steel Wheels tour, and continued to grace their stage for the next 26 years. Her almost constant touring with Grand Baton began in 2014 and the group has been an in-demand act at clubs, theaters and festivals ever since. Fischer’s passion for constant growth and experimentation with different styles invited recent collaborations with jazz pianist Taylor Eigsti, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Michael McDonald, Eric Krasno, Talib Kweli, Billy Childs and YoYo Ma, the BBC Proms/Jules Buckley and the Metropole Orkest, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Anna Deavere Smith’s Notes from the Field for HBO, and especially her full evening program The Classic Lisa Fischer with Grand Baton and Seattle Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony and the National Philharmonic. She’s also toured with Charleston-based gospel/soul/blues group Ranky Tanky.

Eric Marienthal

Music Director

Leslie Mendelson

Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Leslie Mendelson is supporting her most recent studio album ‘If You Can’t Say Anything Nice…,’ as well as a solo acoustic EP ‘In The Meantime,’ that was recorded during the 2020 lockdown. Described by Relix Magazine as an artist with “a loyal, cross-generational audience that hugs the hippie, hipster, coffee shop and society crowds,” Leslie’s timeless musicality and evocative songwriting indeed cuts a wide swath. All Music writes that Leslie evokes “1970s songwriter influences in the vein of Carole King and Carly Simon,” while The Aquarian calls her “the closest thing one can get to a truly honest musical experience.” Leslie Mendelson’s previous work, including 2009 Grammy-nominated debut album ‘Swan Feathers’ and 2017 album, ‘Love & Murder’ dealt with matters of the heart. When it came time to compose the songs that comprise ‘If You Can’t Say Anything Nice…,’ however, she and her longtime writing partner Steve McEwan set out to examine the anxiety stemming from the current socio-political climate with songs like “Medication,” “I Need Something To Care About” and “Would You Give Up Your Gun.” It’s fitting extension of a more socially conscious outlook offered on “A Human Touch”—Leslie’s duet with Jackson Browne for the documentary film, ‘5B,’ released in 2019. If Leslie Mendelson’s only collaboration with a legendary musician was Jackson Browne, it would be a worthy point to celebrate. What’s truly telling is that Leslie has also drawn the attention of The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir who recorded a duet with her on Roy Orbison’s standard, “Blue Bayou,” while no less than classic rock royalty The Who invited her to open two shows at Madison Square Garden last year. She was set to open three more dates for the band in 2020 that were unfortunately postponed due to the pandemic. With some of rock music’s most legitimate voices seeking Leslie out, it leaves no doubt the rarefied air she inhabits as an artist.

Lynne Fiddmont

Arlington Jones

Arlington Jones was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1973, but his family moved to Dallas, Texas in 1976 when his father received a job transfer. His musical journey started at an early age because of his parents’ music heritage and vast album collection. He began studying piano at age eight, started playing in church, and took drum lessons as well. His extraordinary talent and great passion for music soon blossomed. Watching him play now, no one could guess that he told his parents he wanted to stop taking lessons after the first week! Yet, with encouragement from them, he persisted. Arlington’s study of classical music was later combined with jazz studies in college. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree from Southwest Texas State University in music, composition, arranging, performance, theory, and jazz studies. His main jazz music influences are Oscar Peterson and Duke Ellington. Claude Debussy is his favorite classical composer. Arlington expresses, “When I began taking piano lessons, I never imagined music would affect me in the way that it has. Playing music has become my destiny, my responsibility, my aspiration.” His soulful style, lush harmonies, and impeccable groove are what he is known for. Whether performing solo or with his band, Arlington Jones & The Brethren, he has the gift to take listeners of all ages on an unforgettable journey – a contagious toe-tapping, finger-snapping, hand-clapping, head-bobbing experience! Not only is he pleasing to listen to but also exhilarating to watch! Right through each note, Arlington exudes energy from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet! Notable for always being dapper, he matches vintage threads and contemporary fashion with his eclectic tie and sneaker collection. Over the years, Arlington has distinguished himself as a successful independent recording artist, composer, and producer under his label Zamaria Records. His music reveals the history of traditional and modern jazz, influenced by ragtime, stride, classical, blues, Latin, funk, and sacred styles. He has multiple album recordings and piano music books. He branded his own jazz piano techniques book, master class, and music web series entitled The Way I Hear It™. Arlington is a Steinway Artist. He tours internationally and has shared the stage with many music artists and groups. He contracts commissioned works, specializing in jazz piano concertos and modern sacred choral pieces. Performing around the world provides a constant outlook on the music industry and helps him relate to music students and aspiring musicians. Arlington has years of experience as an educator, clinician, adjudicator, and guest lecturer in all levels of elementary, secondary, and higher education. He partners with a variety of music education programs, schools, universities, and organizations. He uses his innovative hands-on teaching techniques to educate piano students, other instrumentalists, and composers of all ages and genres. He created a special interactive presentation for kids called I Can Improvise™ Youth Concert, a fun way to learn about song form, improvisation, music history, and concert etiquette. Between tour dates, Arlington is involved with arts and jazz preservation programs. He is currently the Artistic Director for the Sammons Jazz Program at the Sammons Center for the Arts in Dallas, Texas. He helped to spearhead the Dallas Jazz Appreciation Month committee. He serves on the Advisory Committee for the Cedar Valley College Music Department. His contributions in the arts and music education communities have led to great awards and acknowledgements. Arlington seeks to promote the preservation and appreciation of music as an art form by pairing energetic live performances with music education and history. He is devoted to the enrichment and empowerment of musicians and their families through master classes, clinics, workshops, and literature. Most importantly, Arlington is dedicated to creating music that speaks life to the hearts, minds, and souls of people around the world – music that will evoke joy, hope, faith, peace, healing, and love for all generations and cultures! Arlington and his wife, Hope, have a daughter, Christian, and a son, Arlington III. Together they have founded The Music Stand, a nonprofit organization. He and his family live in Arlington, Texas.

Bill Heller

From Long Island, New York, Bill grew up in a very musical household. His Dad was a conductor (NYC Subway), and his Mom orchestrated all the activities around the house! From an early age, he and his  two brothers were surrounded by family get-togethers filled with music. It  wasn't long before he got into the act, playing accordion! Along with his  brothers he would play in many different situations throughout high school and  college – and continues to do so. Bill attended  Fredonia State University, and received a degree in Music Education. He paid  his dues in the Long Island club scene, as well as on cruise ships Bill met Russ Freeman while recording the "Brian  Moore Custom Guitars Artist Collection" CD. Russ asked Bill if he  would play on a few tracks that he was producing for his and Craig Chaquico's "Redwoods to the  Rockies." His first Rippingtons   recording was “Topaz”, back in 1998, and he has been performing live with the  band since March of 2001. Since then Bill has co-produced all of Craig’s CDs, of  which a few songs made it to the number one position on the smooth jazz charts! Married to his sweetheart from college,  Dawn, together they have two children Angelea, and Jonathan. Dawn was diagnosed  with ovarian cancer in 2000, During her illness Bill co-wrote and produced a CD  dedicated to her called “Strong Woman”  from which they donated a good portion of the proceeds to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Although  she had a recurrence in 2006, she is currently cancer free! Bill is currently working on an album of  his own! The compositions are all originals written by Bill. This recording  features sax players Jeff Kashiwa and Eric Marienthal, and three different  rhythm sections, from the Rippingtons Dave Karasony drums and Rico Belled bass,  Joel Rosenblatt drums (Spyro Gyra, Blood Sweat & Tears, Bill Evans, Michel  Camillo) drums and Dave Anderson bass (Bill Evans, Art Garfunkle, Blood Sweat & Tears, Bob Baldwin), and Frank Bellucci drums and Jim Cammack bass. In 2006, 2010 and 2012 Bill served as the Musical  Director for the Long Island Hall of Fame awards shows. The Long Island  Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to the idea that our musical heritage on Long  Island is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future  generations. At these shows he provided arrangements and incidental music, and  the bands he assembled accompanied such acts as Little Anthony and the  Imperials, Gary US Bonds, Felix Cavaliere, The Lovin Spoonful, Charlie Daniels,  Eddie Money, and more.

Jay Williams

Jay started playing drums at the tender age of 3 alongside his dad the late Judge Williams, Sr. who was a phenomenal organist in the Washington D.C. area. Playing in Church helped cultivate his sense of music and love for the drums. It wasn't long after Jay took interest in exploring other styles of music, his interest grew to appreciate styles like Jazz, Rock, R&B, Latin and Country. By the age of 18, Jay found himself professionally working in the Washington, DC vibrant music scene. Jay's passion, hard work & dedication along with his experience eventually led up to him professionally working with numerous main stream artist around the world, such as; Yolanda Adams, Ben Tankard, Richard Smallwood, Jonathan Butler, Dave Koz, Shai, Stephanie Mills, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Jeff Lorber, Ann Nesby, Bob James, Stanley Clark, George Duke, Lee Ritenour, Angie Stone, Freddie Jackson, Nancy Wilson, Twinkie Clark, Ron Winans, Ledisi, Chuck Loeb, Sheila E., Kim Burrell and the list goes on. Jay's versatile yet flexible gift has gained him local, national and international media coverage, as well as the opportunity to illustrate his art of drumming during National conventions such as; GMWA(Gospel Music Workshop of America),Black Caucus Conventions, and Bobby Jones Gospel Retreat. Jay has been viewed by many on various televised shows featured on BET, MTV, The Word Network, WHUR Christmas DVD Special and other televised programs. Jay has performed in countless venues throughout the country and abroad. To name a few; Washington, DC's Constitution Hall, The Historic Lincoln Theatre, Radio City Music Hall, St Lucia Jazz Festival, Bermuda Jazz Festival, Bahamas Jazz Festival, Blue Note Tokyo and New York, Cotton Club Tokyo, Capitol Jazz Festival, Barbados Jazz Festival, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, West & South Africa, Hong Kong's Cultural Centre Concert Hall, Dubai Jazz Festival and many venues in London. Jay also received recognition as Co-Producer for the 2009 3 time Stellar-Award nominated CD "The John Tillery Project". Jay also played on two recordings Gerald Albright and Norman Brown's 24/7 and Dave Koz LIVE AT THE BLUE NOTE TOKYO which were both nominated for Grammys in 2013. If you would ask Jay "What does he love most about his music career?" He would tell you, "Putting a smile on everyone's face."

Kevin Turner

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Kevin began playing guitar at the age of 9. He was trained as a jazz guitarist but spent an equal amount of time playing in the pop genre. At the age of 16, Kevin was introduced to the professional scene by jazz great Hank Marr when he joined Hank’s jazz organ trio. Hank was Kevin’s music teacher at the performing arts high school where he attended. Quickly becoming known throughout his hometown for his consummate skills on both guitar and bass, Kevin soon found success on the national stage when he served as a sideman for pop and jazz legend Ray Charles in 1984. His soulful guitar solo on Ray Charles’ “Winter Wonderland” can still be heard each Christmas season throughout the world. Further, over the years, Kevin has performed, recorded, or toured alongside a number of artists including Charles Earland, Jimmy Smith, George Howard, Diane Schuur, Destiny’s Child, The Winans, Oleta Adams, Dr. John, and Lalah Hathaway.

Stepping from behind the scenes in 2005, Kevin began his transition from sideman to frontman with his first project- a jazz cd of hymns entitled HIM. This project generated much attention and critical acclaim in the music industry with Kevin receiving a Stellar nomination as well as two national music awards.

Besides being a performer, Kevin is a writer, producer, and educator. He has owned a private recording studio for nearly 15 years. Kevin co-wrote (with his wife Cynthia Turner) and produced two projects by the national recording gospel ensemble Cynthia Turner and Heartspeak. This award-winning group performed across the country in the 2000s and was featured on BET’s "Bobby Jones Gospel Show."

Kevin holds an undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois Moreover, for nearly 20 years, Kevin has been a music educator. On the college level, Kevin has served as a faculty member in the jazz department at the Ohio State University as well as taught in the jazz department at the University of Illinois. Further, he has designed and taught a beginning guitar course for both the high school and college levels; taught in an award-winning middle school jazz band program and led an award-winning orchestra at the middle school and high school levels instructing students in the study of violin, viola, cello, and string bass.

Kevin presently tours and records with Grammy award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum. His artistry is most recently featured on Kirk Whalum's album Romance Language and album/live DVD Gospel According to Jazz Chapter IV. He is also currently the professor of jazz guitar at The Ohio State University and performs locally with his trio and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. Kevin is married to wife Cynthia and is the father of three.

Experience

Jazz Cruises is excited to produce this spectacular cruise getaway featuring the legendary R & B vocalist, Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle, the Godmother of Soul. They united decades ago on the GRAMMY-winning hit “On My Own” and continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Hosted by the multi-talented, Marcus Miller, this getaway is a one-time only event which, only 3-nights, will be filled with extraordinary musical performances and memories to last a lifetime! So grab your friends and get onboard!

Itinerary

Wednesday, April 10

4PM: Depart From Miami

Thursday, April 11

Cruising to Nassau

Friday, April 12

Nassau

Saturday, April 13

7AM: Arrive in Miami

We Make It Easy

So Grab Your Friends & Get Onboard!

Favorable Pricing

Cruise Fares include all Concerts, Shows, Events, Interviews, Ship Wide Parties, and Included Dining. Cruise Fares vary due to type of Stateroom selected.

Pricing

FREE TRANSPORT

Cruise Fares include round-trip coach transportation from Tampa with stops in Sarasota and Naples and from The Villages with stops in Orlando and West Palm, for anyone who wishes to do so. Stateroom reservation is required when you reserve your space on the coach.

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Travel Agents & Group Leaders

Jazz Cruises recognizes Travel Agents for this cruise. Click below to learn more about our Travel Agent Program, including our commission schedule and marketing support. For those who are not travel agents, but who are traveling in a group (customarily 6 or more guests), you should check out our Group Leader Program. Group Leaders can earn special benefits for themselves and their members.

Travel Agent & Group Leaders

About Us

Without a doubt, Jazz Cruises has been producing music and entertainment programs longer and in greater number than any charter company in the world. Though it dominates the jazz cruise genre, it has also produced cruises that feature rock, country, gospel, pop music and more. From its first sailing in 2001 to its 85th sailing in 2024, Jazz Cruises has been the Gold Standard for live entertainment at sea.

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Jazz News for You!

Jazz Cruises provides its fans, every Saturday morning since 2016, with a jazz-centric e-note that includes information about its cruise programs, plus the latest developments in the genre world of jazz, new recordings, special events, and stories about musicians and more. Fans are invited to comment, take part in various polls and enjoy a delightful read with their Saturday morning coffee or tea.

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FAQS

Explore the website for answers to all of your questions or you can contact us for assistance by phone at 844.768.5157 or by email at info@mcdonaldlabellecruise.com. Our business hours are Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET.

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