Delta Music Experience RiverBoat Cruise!!

Gary and I went on this cruise down the Columbia and I knew in my heart of hearts that the music would be spectacular; (just because I know how Amanda and her family ROLL musically)... but I'm telling you; if I hadn't been there, no one would have been able to tell me how Charmaine Neville and her father Charles Neville were on stage clownin - That "Shoo Fly was off the chain"

Or take, how Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band came in and tore the Riverboat Mardi Gras room UP!! Chubby is no joke and if you ever get a chance to see him, check him out. Or how Hawkeye was doin' his thang in the Class Sessions... ( I heard about it... too many margaritas the night before)

Then there was Debra with her Zydeco dance lessons, which I have never taken before, and had a ball learning... but you know a sistah got rhythm ( ha ha ha)

Ann Rabson whom I love and actually got a chance to meet was gracious and her Blues delivery was off the hook... made a sistah sit up and take notice, laugh and listen at the same time. Thank you Ann

Eden Brent wasn't NO JOKE either. I had an opportunity to have this sistah play that PIANA (as Madear would say) for me during the opening night of the Blues jam, and girlfriend took me straight in the Alley. I loved it!

And not meaning to leave anyone out... but Gary and I met some wonderful people - The bus excursions and beautiful sites we saw were wonderful... until Big G came back late to the Bus at the Bonneville Dam; hanging out with Larry & Geoff ( ha ha ha) Barbara had to go Old School on him. (hands on hips and all).. then G got hemmed up by one of the Grown Folks later in the evening on the boat, wondering if he would be back in time for dinner! ( ha ha ha ha ha) There was truly no lack of fun, music and people getting to know one another on this cruise.

I met Dick & Linda and sat with them a few nights, took pictures and they were wonderful to talk with. I was like a KID IN A CANDY STORE!! So much to do, So much music... So much wisdom!! My Buddy Bob P. outta New York... can't wait to hang with you again. Our friends Larry & Goeff were outta control - gettin Gary in all sorts of trouble (let Gary tell it!) ha ha ha

I met Richard L.; wish we could have spoken longer. ... but the music was playing, and Ryan (whom I call the guitar man)... even though I kept missing all his spots except the last one... right here in Issaquah. The man can play some blues and sing! And My man Cholo was definately gettin his groove on!

And what reception these folks gave to me... I truly appreciate Charmaine Neville for sitting down and talking to a sistah, giving advice and just being "real". It boosted my confidence level and I had a great time being a part of the Jam Sessions! - Thanks for asking me Miss Amanda!

Amanda, Barbara, Raymond and the DME staff; not to mention the WONDERFUL STAFF OF THE QUEEN OF THE WEST RIVERBOAT!! ... YOU HAD TO BE THERE! - - I'm telling you... the Food was Excellent every night!... the service from the Riverboat and DME staff was Phenomenal! - Not to mention the itinerary for everyday... it's the BEST VACATION I've had in years!!

So don't miss next year... I sure won't... thanks to everyone that was there... Thanks to my partner Mr. Smith ( Gary), my bestest friend.. (smile) for hangin' out with a sistah... even though it took us 27 hours to get to Portland from Seattle (according to Miss Barbara) ha ha ha ha