Mar 012023
 

Delbert McClinton & Friends Sandy Beaches Cruise has announced the initial line up for the 2024 voyage. Now in its 28th sailing, the Sandy Beaches Cruise boasts a roster of artists that represents the very best of American roots music touching on a range of genres that include rock, folk, New Orleans, Texas swing, blues, Americana and so much more. The seven-day trip will take place on Holland America’s beautiful Nieuw Amsterdam which departs out of Fort Lauderdale, FL on January 13th, with stops in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten and San Juan, Puerto Rico before returning to Ft. Lauderdale on January 20th.

The 2024 line-up includes Delbert McClinton, The Mavericks, Marcia Ball, The California Honeydrops, The Band of Heathens, Paul Thorn, Blind Boys of Alabama, Lee Roy Parnell, Jimmy Hall, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Mike Zito, Carolyn Wonderland, Wayne Toups, Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps, Big Joe Maher, Red Young, Gary Nicholson, Seth James, Shelley King, Kimmie Rhodes and Yates McKendree, with many more to be added. Stay up to date HERE.

The Sandy Beaches Cruise offers over 100 plus live performances in five different venues including a large festival-like stage on the outdoor pool deck. Guests will be treated to jam sessions, Q&A’s, songwriter sessions and special events, while catching up with old friends, making new ones, and meeting some of their favorite artists.

What makes the Sandy Beaches Cruise so special is equal parts music and community. Loyal and enthusiastic guests treat the cruise as an annual pilgrimage, returning year after year with over a 70% return rate, while forging lasting bonds with fellow guests. The celebratory vibe onboard is reminiscent of a joyous reunion, but one that welcomes new revelers with open arms.

That feeling was felt throughout the sold-out Sandy Beaches Cruise 2023. From the guests to the artists to the staff onboard, the feeling was highly addictive. In 2019, McClinton and his wife/manager Wendy Goldstein entrusted StarVista LIVE to carry on the tradition they began in 1995 with the Sandy Beaches Cruise, and the rescheduled 2023 sailing proved to be a great success. Guests were treated to electrifying sets from the likes of The Mavericks, Asleep at the Wheel, Marcia Ball, The California Honeydrops, Marc Broussard, Shinyribs, The War and Treaty, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Jimmy Hall, Carolyn Wonderland, The McCrary Sisters and many more.

Legendary artist/producer/arranger/musician Red Young held court in the packed Crow’s Nest Lounge on the upper deck for a specially curated late-night set featuring different artists sitting in each night. While Delbert McClinton has retired from touring, Sandy Beaches 2024 offers the opportunity to see the legendary artist perform live multiple times.

“StarVista LIVE had never stepped into an existing cruise before but we loved this music and these artists so much, we enthusiastically sought the opportunity to continue the experience. The guests have such a beautiful sense of community and the 2023 cruise was a great chance for us to get to know the community better, deliver great music and performances while maintaining the special vibe of Sandy Beaches” says StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President of Live Entertainment Mike Jason.

The 2023 cruise just ended in late January and 2024 is already over half sold. Book your cabin today at  https://sandybeachescruises.com/.

HCM Daily Country Music News – February 28th, 2023

 Posted by at 5:42 pm on February 28, 2023
Feb 282023
 

Country Music News and Videos

This Date in Country Music History

Today’s Birthdays

Today’s New Albums

  • None Today

Today’s New Singles

  • 1995 – J.D. Darling
  • Half of You – Sarah Louise
  • Storm in a Shot Glass – Biddy & The Bullets
  • Two Hearts One Moon – Richie Bustillo

Today’s Photo Flashback

  • None Today

This Week’s Notable Events

Also check out…

HCM Daily Country Music News – February 27th, 2023

 Posted by at 11:08 pm on February 27, 2023
Feb 272023
 

Country Music News and Videos

This Date in Country Music History

  • 2021 – Taylor Swift scored a #1 single on Billboard’s Country Singles Chart with “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)”
  • 2020 – The Randy Rogers Band’s single “Kiss Me In The Dark” was certified Gold
  • 2020 – Country Music Videos – February 27th, 2020
  • 2006 – Danielle Peck released her single “Findin’ a Good Man”
  • 2001 – Brad Paisley‘s debut album Who Needs Pictures was certified platinum
  • 2001 – Jessica Andrews released her album Who I Am
  • 1996 – Toby Keith released his single “Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine On You”
  • 1993 – Lorrie Morgan topped the charts with “What Part of No”
  • 1990 – Alan Jackson released his debut album Here In The Real World
  • 1982 – Don Williams topped the charts with “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good”

Today’s Birthdays

  • None Today

Today’s New Albums

  • None Today

Today’s New Singles

  • Breaking Up – River Town Saints
  • Can’t Stand Leavin’ – Adam Hood
  • When You’re Not Believin’ – Maddison Livingston

Today’s Photo Flashback

  • None Today

This Week’s Notable Events

Also check out…

Interview with Biddy & The Bullets

 Posted by at 10:52 pm on February 27, 2023
Feb 272023
 

Artist Name:  Biddy & The Bullets
Hometown:  Chesterfield

What project(s) are you currently working on?

A mixture of band and solo stuff and a lot of writing! I’m also on tour with The Big Country Music Show that plays theatres around the UK!

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

Funny thing is that my dad found an old folder of mine that had written in the front a wee bio (I think I was about 8 years old!) and I said that I wanted to have a number 1 album and be an actress. Done the two alright! I trained in musical theatre and it’s a cut throat business but once you find your niche it’s quite fun to carve out a career in the industry. Almost 15 years in I’ve played from Hong Kong to London’s West End!

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

I’m currently looking for a new “muggle” career and I think it lies in marketing or something digital related. I’ve been an entertainment and events manager in the past too! I have been a teacher for the last 5 years pretty much because of my performing career.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

Greys Anatomy is my comfort TV show if it’s a proper down day…Because I spend so much time away I simply like being at home with my better half and cat! Otherwise I like to go to the theatre and see other shows or acts in action!

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Henry Cavill or Eric Dane. Woof.

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

I don’t really follow sport but my other half supports Man Utd so let’s roll with that!

What is the last movie that you watched?

Stargate- the original. I’m a bit of a geek!

What is the last album you listened to?

The Chicks Gaslighter whilst I was buying tickets to see them!

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

John Mayer- Continuum it’s perfection.

What is the greatest country song of all time?

He Stopped Loving Her Today- George Jones. Again, timeless classic country perfection.

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

Edinburgh is my favourite city! If I’m there for theatre work or if it’s for the festival. It’s hands down the best city out there!

What is your favorite meal?

Tapas. Ideally on the seafront in Spain!
And if your wondering- staples are garlic prawns, patatas bravas and padron peppers!

Who is your dream duet partner?

Tough one! Let’s go with Bon Jovi but 80s Bon Jovi when he could belt out those notes!

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Would love to support the likes of Kris Barras or Elles Bailey. That would be so fun!

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

Nowadays I am content to be making music. I’d love to get something on a soundtrack and would love to have a song or two signed to publishing. I’m aiming to be more of a songwriter as I get a bit older. I’ve had the luxury of touring for a lot of my life now I want to focus on creating music.