Jazz and blues riverboat cruises coming to Long Beach

Jazz & Blues hits the water on the luxurious replica of a Mississippi paddle steamer, the Grand Romance Riverboat. It will present many top legendary jazz and blues musicians in an atmosphere of an era gone-by.

The kick-off is scheduled for Sunday, November 14th, 2010. The featured acclaimed jazz musicians are the Rickey Woodard Quintet, with Rickey Woodard on Sax (Ray Charles), Dr. Bobby Rodriguez on Trumpet (Grammy Nominee), Llew Matthews on Piano (Nancy Wilson), Richard Simon on Bass (Ernie Andrews), and Roy McCurdy on drums (Cannonball Adderly).

This enchanting vessel boasts two ornate smokestacks, New Orleans style balconies adorning her three decks and gorgeous Victorian red and gold décor within the dining salons. The Grand Romance was built in 1991 by Captain Bill Barker and is an exact replica of the historic look of a Mississippi Steam Boat! It is the motto of the Grand Romance Riverboat Captain and Crew to offer the finest in Southern California hospitality including it’s famous New Orleans style Barbeque, smoked long and slow, offering Spareribs, Tri Tip, Pulled Pork, Barbeque Chicken, Fried Catfish, Fried Chicken and tempting sides of greens, corn, ranch beans, mac & cheese and a variety of salads, including Cole Slaw, & Potato Salad. Guests can also order cocktails as they cruise.

The line-up for November and December is a “Who’s Who” in Jazz and Blues talent, featuring November 14th, the Rickey Woodard Qnt.; November 21st soulful vocalist Rose Mallett Qrt; November 28th, the official Grand Opening celebration, with acclaimed Blues guitarist/vocalist Ray Bailey and his Organ Trio, featuring Ray Bailey (G), Art Hillery (Organ) Charles Owens (Sax), & Land Richards (D). December 05 is kicked off by noted Latin/Salsa Jazz violinist, The Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Band. December 12th vocalist Sweet Baby Jai; December 19th, vocalist Janis Mann; December 26th – closed for Holiday.

The Grand Romance Riverboat is located at Dock #4 in the Rainbow Harbor, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90803. Music & Cruise boarding is 1:00pm and 3:45pm. Boat ticket is $10.00 – available on line at www.grandromance.com. There is a $15 Food and/or Beverage Minimum. Public parking is available at the Aquarium of the Pacific ($8 with cruise stamp), the Pike parking structures and/or Valet in front of the Outback Steaks Restaurant ($6 with restaurant stamp for 5 hour parking) Cruises go out rain or shine, year round. To make reservations call: the Grand Romance Riverboat at 562-628-1600 or for more information call Merle at In-House Music at 310-216-5861. Reservations are required.