Amanda Gresham’s Delta Music Experience 2006

The Columbia River

Portland Oregon

Recently my wife and I went on the Delta Music Experience Pacific Northwest Mardi Gras cruise up the Columbia River. We flew into Portland on St Patrick’s Day and checked into The Embassy Suites Hotel in time to join in the St Patrick’s Day Pre-Cruise festivities. That night, I introduced myself to both Charles Neville and Ann Rabson. The night’s music was provided by the No Delay Band with singer Linda Hornbuckle and with the addition of Charles Neville on saxophone. Paul Delay and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews decided to get some rest but members of their bands continued playing into the “wee” hours.

The next day after the hotel breakfast we embarked on what was to be a most rewarding three night cruise. As we were boarding the paddlewheel riverboat members of the bands were lined up on the deck playing “The Saints”. Once on the boat we found our stateroom which was nicely appointed. Dinner choices included New Orleans Jambalaya, Steak, Lamb Chops, Lobster, or Salmon. The evening’s entertainment included The Paul Delay Band, Chubby Carrier and The Bayou Swamp Band, Troy Andrews and Orleans Avenue, Charmaine Neville, Ann Rabson, and Eden Brent. The late night jams were hosted by our friend, radio personality Bob Putignano.

Daytime activities included seminars featuring photographer Dick Waterman, and acoustic guitarists Hawkeye Herman and Ryan Harder. Daytime excursions included the Bonneville Dam and the Multnomah Falls. The cruise was informative and the scenery beautiful. During the last nights performance by Chubby Carrier we began to realize that we had made some nice friendships too. We enjoyed meeting promoters Cholo Lehmkuhl and Michael Arnone, publisher Chip Eagle, Michael Hawkeye Herman and his wife Willie, Charmaine Neville, Lady A, and producer/founder Amanda Gresham and her mother and father, Barbara and Raymond. There were others, Onnie and Marguarite, David, Tom and his wife, and “cruiser” Michael.

This was a priceless experience www.deltamusicexperience.com and I understand that future Delta Music Experiences are being planned. The Delta Music Experience Krewe is also sponsoring a Stage at Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Festival on June 3 rd and 4 th in Augusta New Jersey. I’m already looking forward to renewing friendships and booked my room at The Hampton Inn in Denvillle. Tell everyone I’ll see them there.

Richard Ludmerer

Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society

ricdale2@yahoo.com