Wolverine Jazz Quintet takes a Dixieland Cruise on Boston Harbor

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trumpet,reeds,keyboard,tuba,drum

Wolverine Jazz Quintet

The Wolverine Jazz Band Quintet played brilliantly on the Dixieland Jazz Cruise out of Boston Harbor with Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark reeds, Ross Petot keyboard, dynamic duo Rick MacWilliams tuba and Dave Didriksen drums, and vocalist Kellian Pletcher.

 

S. S. Samuel Clemens, decked out like a Mississippi River Boat

S. S. Samuel Clemens, decked out like a Mississippi River Boat

It’s been decades since we were on a Jazz Cruise in Boston Harbor.  On Saturday June 20th, the S.S. Samuel Clemens, the flagship of the Mass Bay Lines, departed from Rowe’s Wharf for a Dixieland Jazz Cruise hosted by the Greater Boston Vintage Society, directed by Jason Volk.  They wore vintage clothing, and had clothes, hats, ties, shoes, and jewelry for sale.  There was even a contest for the ‘Best dressed’.  It was great fun for everyone.

 

 

 

Couple with legs flying

Mari and Edgar demonstrating the Swing

 

 

The afternoon started at 1pm with a Swing Dance Lesson by Boston Lindy Hop teachers Mari Adams and Edgar B. Herwick III.

 
Dance lesson:

After an hour, they were all Swinging like mad!  The ship left Boston behind and The Wolverine Jazz Quintet  played from 2pm to 5pm for the dancers.

motorboats, sailboats, on the harbor with ?? background

Busy Boston Harbor with Bunker Hill Monument in the background

We especially liked the Mooch, video taped by John Carlo.
https://www.facebook.com/carlo.esp/videos/o.184566948381364/863483993722009/?type=2&theater

Dirt Cheap Video caught the excitement of the whole trip (3.5 minutes):

Kellian Pletcher

Kellian Pletcher

 

 

Vocalist Killian Pletcher  isn’t only a fine vocalist, but a great Swing dancer too

 

 

 

We haven’t been on a Jazz Cruise on Boston Harbor since the 1980’s when  different bands were featured on both levels.  The change in the Boston harborside was startling!  Anthony’s Pier 4 is a wreck, waiting to be demolished. The Black Eagles began on a ship docked by that restaurant in the early 70’s.

It was sad to see, but we were encouraged by all the brand new development along the harbor.  Boston will remain a vital, growing metropolis.  We hope to see more Jazz and Dixieland Jazz Cruises in the future!

The Greater Boston Vintage Society is an active group and sponsors vintage happenings all year all over New England and beyond.  Check them out. https://www.facebook.com/groups/GreaterBostonVintageSociety/