GREAT PORTS, GREAT SHOWS

Right now we're doing a Medetterranean cruise, which is taking us to some of my favorite ports. So far we have been to Istanbul, Kusadasi, Bodrum, and Maramaris, Turkey. I've definitely come to find that Turkey is one of my favorite countries I've ever been to. The weather had been incredible, the places we've gone have had lively environments, great views, increadible food, and interesting things to do. We had an incredible overnight in Istanbul this last time. I've been buying cymbals from one guy who we went to go see playing in a club to end that night (at 3am). Kusadasi has shops all over the place where you can get all kinds of things. This last time we were there a few friends and I got Turkish baths which came highly recommended from everyone who has had them before. I'll write another post about those. Bodrum and Maramaris have been great beach days. 

Now all of that is a pretty normal few days "ship life." What's made them even better so far is we've had what I think is the best line up of entertainers. On night one (Istanbul) we did our regular variety show which had a band feature, then we played with one of the great guitarists on board, John Winters, and also with the incredible duo, TNT, then with the cast. That is always a pretty good show. The next night we played with Paul Baker, an amazing singer from London who we've had the pleasure of working with on several cruises. His show is great, plus we've gotten to know him a bit so it's always good to see him. The next night was "iHollywood" which is the production show with the cast. It features songs from movies and is always a blast to play. Then last night we played with Neil Lockwood for the first time. He does an Elton John show where he impersonates Elton....very well...he sounds exactly like him. This was an incredibly fun show for us to play, it was all Elton tunes of course, Rocket Man, Crocodile Rock, Benny and the Jets, etc. Then tonight was a mixed show of Paul Baker, and Neil Lockwood being himself. They ended the show singing an Elton John song and Hey amuse together. Just another amazing show we got to play so far this cruise. It's been the best line up we've had. In a few days we'll play with Pete Matthews, who was the first guest entertainer I ever played with. He's a juggler comedian and his show is also one of the best. It's a very hard show for drums, but I can't wait. This has and will be a great cruise!