• The guests and musicians are equally as happy to be in the same place.

• You get to sing 3-part harmony with Brandi Carlile and the twins.
• Edwin McCain sings in the casino until 3:00am.
• Collaborations between amazing artists happen almost every set.
• Singer songwriters get together months before the cruise just to write songs that will be heard for the first time on board Cayamo.
• You can win an open mic contest and seal a slot to play on stage.
• There is a chance to get on stage with Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers to sing Petty, Stones, and The Band songs with their band.
• Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Emmylou Harris, and Shawn Colvin can all share the same stage and join in on song.
• You can say hey to your favorite artist in the buffet line while grabbing a slice.
• Relaxing by the pool also means you must be listening to Shawn Mullins jam out on the deck.
• Where Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, and Brandi Carlile share some of their life stories during a Q&A session.
• The only thing you have to worry about is which show you want to see and will there be enough time to catch ALL your favorite ones?
• You can become friends with someone from across the world that you just met and then expect to see them again next year at the family reunion we call Cayamo.

The journey is coming to an end, but there is still so much music left.  What will the artist have is store for us tonight ?

-Mike

Working for a company that highly values music is, for lack of a better description, pretty awesome.  I have been lucky enough to hold jobs over the past four years that have had a primary focus of music.  The difference between Sixthman and my previous employment is the amount of which I get to enjoy the music.  I was previously a music and media editor for a publication.  Sounds cool, is pretty cool, but the endless number of CDs that you are forced to listen to (some good, but mostly awful) is insanity.  It had gotten to the point where I rarely listened to music outside of work.  It was talk radio all the time.

It was almost like Pandora’s box.  I had come into this really cool job.  A gift from the gods.  A box, that once opened, unleashed terrible things on my brain.  Too many awful songs, and almost a resentment towards music, itself.

Some of you may not know the whole myth about Pandora’s box, though.  After all the toils were set loose on the earth, at the bottom of the box, there was hope.  And hope, my friends, it just what Pandora Radio has brought to my daily life.  Whether I’m sitting in my little quiet room, rocking out with computer speakers, or in the “Calloseum” rocking out on my headphones, Pandora has given me new hope for music.  And a new appreciation for classic rock.  And sometimes I don’t even notice when a little Skynyrd gets mixed in there.

So, in summary, music is an amazing part of life.  A job focused on music is pretty awesome.  Getting through all the crap and finding hope for a better music tomorrow, priceless.

-Lisa

Each night on board, Sixthman has a 20-30 min meeting to collect us from a day full of events and shows and to connect on what our goals and “moments of truth” for the following day will be. We take turns sharing stories and things that happened to us through out the day that stood out or made an impact on us; the good, the funny, the make you want to cry moments. I just finished ushering the main lounge show, which was Brandi Carlile’s second set and found my moment.

On Cayamo, our headliners rotate, playing a different time slot to a different audience each night, allowing every guest to see each artist. I was standing in the center of the room about three quarters of the way up. Not to say there is a bad seat in this room, but I wasn’t standing in the front row. Over the course of a few minutes I caught pieces of the conversation two women sitting next to me were having. I could hear the words – Brandi, awesome, ohmygosh I can’t wait, Brandi, incredible – and while not eavesdropping it was pretty clear they were about to see the show they’ve been waiting for. I smiled and continued to help some other guests to their seats. About 5 minutes to show time, I saw a couple approach the two women and at first the thought of double seating came to mind, then I thought they were buddies and THEN I saw the two women get up and walk themselves down to dead center of about the fourth or fifth row with these ginourmous grins on their faces. Curious, I asked the couple who were now up in my section if anything was out of order or if I could help. With out an ounce of bragging they simply told me that in line for the show, they too had heard the women talking about how much they loved Brandi and when they saw that their seats were “better positioned” then the Brandi fans they asked if they’d like to switch. “No biggie” they said – “we were just returning the favor”. Apparently a new Cayamo friend had given them second row tickets to their favorite, Lyle Lovett, the night before.

I’m not sure I have to go into much more detail about how that made an impact on my day and why it was my moment. The community and kindness on this ship is out of control and if the world lived like we do on Cayamo, it would just be a better place.

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

Riding on an elevator with a musical icon is not your average Monday evening… Unless you are on Cayamo, in which case it is perfectly normal.

To turn musical fantasy into an everyday reality is the epitome of Cayamo. Weather you are a music neophyte like me, or the most seasoned aficionado, every second of this cruise holds the promise of some magical moment where you will rub elbows with your hero’s, witness a collaboration that defies your wildest imagination or get turned on to someone who will transform your universe with a single song.

You would think that after three years of Sixthmaning this event some of the sparkle would wear off and the extraordinary would become mundane, but for me this could not be less true. Each year there is an experience that tops the one before and leaves a lasting impression. While it is only day two, I could happily walk away and say that I have been touched with the Magic of Cayamo.

For the first time on any event I was lucky enough to make a suggestion for an artist that I thought would be a perfect fit for this cruise.  Last year, still reeling and fresh from the boat, I went to a show in Atlanta to see a musician that was dear to a very good friend of mine. We got there just in time to see the opening artist, which can often mean little more than buying you enough time to sidle up to the bar for your next beer. In this case however the artist that took to the stage had me hooked from the first note. All I could think about was “how can I get her on Cayamo next year? The artist that took me by such force was an adorable little thing named Samantha Crain. Looking hardly old enough to be in the bar, it was mesmerizing to watch her sing with such a seasoned and awe inspiring voice.

After the show I went into the office on a mission. She would be on Cayamo, and I was just not taking no for an answer. As it turns out, my job was easy and her music spoke for itself. Within the month, she was booked and I could not have been more excited.

Now I am here, sailing on Cayamo with more amazing artists than can even be real and for the first time, I feel like I have contributed just a little piece of something magical myself.

Cayamo will always be a place of discovery but the beauty is, it doesn’t end when we pull back into port. Once you are infected with the spirit, it’s with you forever. I am excited for these next few days and all of the things I will encounter, but I am also looking forward to all of the moments after when I discover something new- about myself, about the music.

I can’t wait to get Cayamo’d again!

-May

Yesterday I had the privilege of sitting in on some artist interviews on Cayamo: even though they had rehearsals and soundchecks to get to, these musicians were incredibly kind to speak with some journalists we have on board. As I listened, the conversations turned to WHY the artists sail on Cayamo and why they keep coming back. One word kept popping up: community.

We have talked a lot about the fans being part of a community, and coming on board to enjoy the music, meet fellow music lovers, etc, but not as much about how the artists feel. And in case you haven’t heard it already, I’m here to tell you that they love this cruise.

The artists love that the fans on Cayamo know the songs and the stories behind them, love that the fans “get it” as we say, and they love being able to come on board, be a part of the community, and enjoy an incredible vacation at the same time. For many of these talented songwriters, this is a break from bus fumes, cluttered driving schedules, and a chance to have their families along while they’re playing shows.

At Sixthman we’re proud to be able to provide not only guests but also the artists with an unforgettable experience. And for all of those artists who are joining us for the first time on Cayamo, welcome to the community!

Sorry for the delayed blogs for this cruise guys!  Please know that we’re stockpiling stories as we speak, I promise they’re coming   Sixthman team member Sonia took a shot at blogging for the very first time, and I think she passed the test with flying colors.  Take it away Sonia!

I love language.

I love to savor words and swirl them around just to hear the sounds of revelation they make when together they create something unexpected.  Or sometimes just a word in and of itself can make me happy. Like foibles, for instance. What a great word, foibles. It’s fun to say, a little odd to look at and almost always makes me pause and think about my own. But most of the time it’s the meaning behind a word that inspires my affection. Especially if it’s a made-up word that wouldn’t really have any meaning unless you’d been there.  Kind of like Whodat.  Or Cayamo.

Cayamo wouldn’t be found in any dictionary (yet), but it is a name and a place, a thing, an idea and a community. It’s a floating festival of music celebrating singer-songwriters that turns into an on board celebration of music lovers, be they old or young, musicians or fans. You can feel the enthusiasm, the deep down appreciation and palpable passion for song.

Yesterday we embarked on the third Cayamo, which is my second one.  I’ve been on quite a few Sixthman cruises at this point, but Cayamo is definitely my favorite. Anywhere you walk on the ship, you can tell that not only does everyone on board love a good song, but that those songs have played an integral role in their lives, including right now. I can relate, and it feels pretty special to help put something together that weaves its way into the fabric of memory and the sinews of connection that become community. And it does. Cayamo is five days of incredible music that, once experienced, becomes the people you meet, the stories you tell, the passion you share; the meaning behind a little made-up word that you will remember forever.

-Sonia

So, I just got off the phone with one of my closest friends in the world, who a little over a year ago, found a small, growing company (Company X) to work for part-time.

In the past year, Company X has grown – fast – and she joined them full time and was recently offered a promotion.  She is super excited that she could be on a career path with Company X, but is struggling a little bit with the way the owners run things. And for good reason.

The challenge from my eyes is this: they had an idea that started getting some attention a little more than a year ago, and has since absolutely “blown up” in marketplace recognition & consumer demand.

In the process of growing and being a constantly changing & adapting company, the creators forgot they needed to learn how to lead a team.  They had built their business off of young, temporary, hourly help to keep them going, and had never really invested in the people who supported them.  Now with all of those same people becoming full time, working overtime, and exhausted, they have failed to stop and focus on the internal makings of their success.

Company X certainly isn’t the first to see substantial growth in such a short time… Tom’s Shoes, Spanx, Livestrong Bracelets to name just a few that came to mind. So, how did they do it – and thrive?

The leaders of those companies & products not only had the great idea, but they weathered the growth without losing momentum. I am fearful that my friend’s company isn’t keeping up, and worse off, doesn’t even really know the extent to which something is wrong.

I tried giving her advice of how she could help alert them, or how she can herself take this time to really become a leader within the company, but I feel like that’s not going to cut it. They are in a critical time right now where they can start reaching out to their team and learning how to be better leaders, or they will find themselves teamless.

Does anyone out there have advice of how I can help my friend, help her company?

-Ape

As many of you know, Sixthman is going to be doing several new cruises in 2010.  Many of us have stepped in to new roles, and I can safely say that all of us have taken on more responsibility in one way, shape, or form.  Am I complaining?  Definitely NOT.  Sixthman is full of great leadership and was born to take on new opportunity.

I’m guessing Andy was noticing the hard work around the office, so with the help of one of our newest members of the family, Calli, they organized a little company outing.  That’s right – I’m talking about a little game with some friendly competition.  A game where you drink some beer, eat some wings, and get your game face on.  No helmets, no pads.  Just you, you’re “Whirlybug,” and your “Scoop.”  Sounds intense, right?

At first we didn’t pick teams, we just ran out on the court and jumped in whatever Whirlybug wasn’t occupied at the moment.  Yellow or red, yellow or red?  The color of the cart is what determines which team you will be on for the 8:00 min. match.  Then, the announcer would turn on the electricity and off we went.  Yelling and bumping trying to get the little, white wiffle ball into 1 foot in diameter, round hole that is cut out of a basketball backboard.  Trust me, it’s not that easy (unless you have perfected your scoop throwing technique).

Then, Andy decided to turn it up a notch.  He threw in a little wager, had captains pick teams, and all of the sudden you would have thought Sixthman was in a league or something.  Bumps and bruises have all healed, but I’m pretty sure we’ve discovered an annual outing.  Next year there will be brackets

-Mike

Tuesday was Paczki Day in Hamtramck, Michigan. When I lived there, it was a no-holds-barred Fat Tuesday celebration with paczkis, pierogies, alcohol, and lots of Polish dancing. Everyone took off work that day, and the Polish bakeries would have lines hundreds of people long to buy a dozen paczkis. A paczki, by the way, is kind of like a really heavy and rich jelly donut with a variety of fillings, custard being my personal favorite. They’re pronounced “POONCH-key” (don’t ask me why!) and they’re delicious!

Paczki Day in Hamtramck

Here in Atlanta, we have Mardis Gras celebrations but it’s nothing like what I saw on the streets of Hamtramck. Despite the fact that it’s probably twenty degrees colder up there, sometimes I miss those crazy local traditions and the friends with whom I celebrated… What is your favorite regional party?