Here’s a big surprise: we’re having the time of our lives out here!  Let’s run through my favorite moments from the first few days on the cruise:

• Listening to Edie Carey and then Katie Herzig while working the Info Desk on the first day. When you hear live songs from these musicians over your shoulder as you’re explaining where the nearest bathroom is, life just seems a little bit better
• Finding my parents up on the Pool Deck as they were rocking out to Scythian as we sailed away from Miami. One of the most entertaining shows I’ve seen in quite some time – dueling fiddles and an awesomely-energetic stage presence.  These relatively unknown artists (to the Cayamo crowd) quickly became favorites.  Can’t wait for their next set tonight!
• Running in to catch a few songs from Ben Taylor. Good lord what a voice.
• I missed Lyle’s first set, but my folks said he was amazing (as always). He joked when first coming out that all the headliners drew straws and he got stuck with the first set of the ship, commenting “Yup, I guess we’re ship outta luck.”  Coming from anybody else it would have been corny, but Lyle is so genuine and has such great delivery that it came across as freaking hilarious.
• Getting instantly teary-eyed thanks to Brandi Carlile. I managed to walk by the main venue as Brandi was coordinating the three-part harmony for her song “Turpentine.”  Thanks to the organization of the venue, this was done to absolute perfection.  Hearing 700 people singing backup in perfect unison was just awesome.  Brandi and the twins (Phil and Tim) never disappoint, but I’m just continually blown away how they continue to improve upon perfection year after year.
• Catching the last 30 minutes of the Lovell Sister’s performance (they’re now called Larkin Poe). Just beautiful.  Rebecca Lovell sang one song written by her sister and co-performer Megan that absolutely blew me away.  I can’t wait to listen to their new EP and I look forward to catching a full set of theirs later on this week.
• I was unfortunately scheduled elsewhere, but I heard John Hiatt and Lyle’s acoustic yesterday morning set the bar even higher for “wow, that just happened” moments on a Cayamo cruise. I’m sorry I missed it, but I’m guessing there are guests who could do this show far more justice with their writing when back on land.

And that’s just the first day and a half.  Until we talk again…

-Steve