Bluegrass Meets Blue Water

This winter, bluegrass fans will have an excellent reason to ditch the overalls and slather on the sunblock. In February, the Norwegian Sky will depart Miami en route to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. And if that boat is a rocking, it’ll likely be caused by a storm of foot stomping during performances by Steep Canyon Rangers, David Grisman Sextet, Del McCoury Band, Tim O’Brien and Bryan Sutton, the Punch Brothers, or any of the fifteen scheduled bluegrass bands performing on the ship—not to mention any impromptu jam sessions from the artists or guests, who are encouraged to bring their own instruments aboard.

Organized in partnership with Mountain Song Productions and Steep Canyon Rangers, Mountain Song at Sea is inspired by the land-based Mountain Song Festival, which kicks off its seventh year this weekend in Brevard, North Carolina. Besides the music, which is sure to be plentiful, onboard activities range from a bourbon vs. whiskey challenge to a banjo “petting zoo,” where guests can try out instruments from Deering Banjos. But the biggest draw is just getting to hang out with some of the best musicians in bluegrass today. “The genre of bluegrass has always fostered a unique connection between the fans and the performers,” says Steep Canyon front man Woody Platt. “Oftentimes we end up getting to know our fans quite well. No music could survive without the fans—so spending time with them on this festival at sea seems natural to me.” One more thing Platt is looking forward to? “Seeing Del McCoury and David Grisman in their bathing suits!”

Tickets are available now, and the ship sets sail February 1, 2013. 

Can’t wait for the cruise? Click here to listen to our Mountain Song at Sea playlist.