The Americana and roots music authority

Cayamo 2012

... or, "I don't think this could get any better... except maybe if there was free dental care." My friend Maria said that as we stepped out on the promenade deck after the Loudon Wainwright and Richard Thompson "Loud and Rich" show. I think it pretty much covers the basic Cayamo experience. Except for the excessively seasick (and there were precious few of those as the seas are really very calm), every person that I came across was positive about the shows, the boat, the whole Cayamo experience. Artists and friends got more than a few minutes after a show and before getting on a bus to meet, catch up, and play. Those on vacation got music morning noon and night, plus spa treatments, and everyone enjoyed the tropical weather and waters.

The crews of Sixthman and The Norwegian Pearl worked 7 days straight, but at the end, even if there were some dark circles appearing here and there, each had a smile to say good-bye and see-you-next-time. This is, from what I understand, the second year that Sixthman has used this particular ship. The familiarity allowed the production team to create a yet more seamless experience than last year's maiden voyage on the Pearl. I expect that next year will be just that much tighter, again. Sixthman continues to live and learn.

Of course the music was the main attraction. There were delicate songbirds, straight up blues, neoamericanafolkroots, roots rock, classic folk, and face melting guitar virtuosity, every bit underpinned with thoughtful songwriting and wit to burn ("Enough with the folk comedy!! MORE TUNING!!!" -Loudon Wainwright, III). You never knew when another favorite artist would appear to sit in with the one whose show you were watching. The guests had sessions happening, both scheduled and spontaneously all over the ship. Even the ship's crew got in on the mucial action, penning and performing a little tune they played at meals to assist in exhorting one and all to wash their hands. "Happy, happy; smiley, smiley, washy, washy; all the time." More players sat in at the cafeteria every meal, making a huge, classic folk jam of it.

I am actually still on the road, in NYC. Lucky me, I'll be at the Richard Thompson all request shows these next 3 nights. Then finally back to my new home in AUstin. Oh, and then comes SxSW! Phew! I'll be posting more pictures to my Cayamo gallery every day, and winding out some more words as I go through show by show. But I do have several thousand pictures. Is there anyone my gentle readers would most like to hear about? Do tell. I am susceptible to joyous exhortation.

Oh. Yes. And, we all ate. A lot.

Comment by Mary Margaret on February 15, 2012 at 12:45am: Annaliese, Thanks for the picturse and the great update of the musical cruise experience. Did you happen to see Greg brown, Iris Dement or Shawn Mullins?

Comment by Scott Chesnut on February 17, 2012 at 5:54am: Jealous. Just green with envy.

Comment by Annaliese Moyer on February 17, 2012 at 7:37am: Mary - I did and pictures to be forthcoming.

Comment by Henry Jasen on February 17, 2012 at 8:25am: I saw Iris Dement. I thought she had a little trouble getting used to the format, and then to John Prine's band that she inherited after he left on Wednesday. Her last show was outstanding, when everyone finally had a feel for what they were doing. There is a startling difference between her speaking voice and her singing voice.

Comment by Patsy Raney on February 17, 2012 at 9:01am: This was my first Cayamo experience, and it was utterly awesome in every way. Although I had seen most of the "headliners" (Lucinda, Prine, Buddy, Richard Thompson, Keb Mo, Loudon, Iris, Greg, John and Lyle, Shawn Mullins) many times over the years, it was great seeing them sitting in with each other's shows. But I was frankly MOST excited by getting turned on to new (to me) and emerging artists.... most especially Enter the Haggis, CHUCK CANNON!!!, Sara Watkins, Sarah Buxton and Tom Bukovac. What a great experience. I'll definitely make this trip again.

Comment by Kyla Fairchild on February 20, 2012 at 10:34am: Great photos Annaliese. Thanks for posting! We've missed you!

Comment by Annaliese Moyer on February 20, 2012 at 3:56pm: Thanks K I have missed me too! Settled in Austin... Will you be here for the ND showcase? Must see you if so!!! More pics soon. Just got home. Then RT at NYC city Wintry.

Comment by Carol Lyman on March 18, 2012 at 3:03pm: Hi Annaliese,

Thanks for sharing your awesome RT pics. They are all so good it'll take me days to pick my top favorites.

They're all great. I love how you managed to capture him in his more impish mode. He looks like he was

enjoying himself. So many times he performs with his eyes closed, or looking far too serious (even when

performing his darker songs). I think I'd like to order several 4x6 prints I can arrange together in a large

frame - as a montage of his solo concert. Also some larger sized pix. Hope this isn't too much to ask, given

your busy schedule.

Since you do equine photography I thought you might like to see an image of "Bandit," our five year old

mini stallion. I'd really to breed him - but I'm new to this stuff and don't have a lot of contacts.

I'm happy just to sit & watch him.

You did a great job capturing the "real" RT, the one he keeps hidden during most of the 20 or more

shows of his I've seen. We had such a great experience on the cruise - it will be nice to have your photos as a reminder

of how special those 7 days were.

Take care, I'm looking forward to seeing more of your stuff on your site.

email: rally1@mac.com