Great American Steamboat Company has unveiled entertainment details for its 2012 inaugural sailing season onboard the 436-passenger Steamboat American Queen.
Expect a mix of everything from Big Band to pop, jazz to Rat Pack-era music, river jug music to showboat-style cabaret acts.
In addition, musical stars from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s including B.J. Thomas, the Lovin’ Spoonful, The Platters and Bill Haley’s Comets will perform.
River Show Line-Up
For clients who want to dance to “In the Mood” and other Big Band hits, The Glenn Miller Orchestra show will entertain passengers on the July 27, Aug. 3 and Dec. 28 departures.
The Harry James Orchestra, directed by Fred Radke who played first trumpet for Miller, will play such hits as “All or Nothing at All,” “Ain’t She Sweet,” and “Up a Lazy River” on the April 19 and April 27 voyages.
Clients can reminisce about the era of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, as Rat Pack genre singers backed by the line’s onboard orchestra will perform during the May 8, 15 and 22, June 28 and 18, Oct. 22 and Dec. 14 cruises.
B.J. Thomas will be onboard Steamboat American Queen on July 11, 18 and 22 to sing “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” and “I Just Can’t Help Believing.”
On the same voyages, guests will also hear the Lovin' Spoonful perform such hits as “Do You Believe in Magic” and “Summer in the City.”
Agents might tell clients who are fans of doo-wop and early rock n’ roll music about the Sept. 7 cruise, as both The Platters and Bill Haley’s Comets will perform.
The New Orleans Jazz All-Stars will be onboard Steamboat American Queen on the April 13 and April 19 cruises.
The Juggernaut Jug Band will perform authentic river music, also called jug music on the May 4 and 29, Sept. 28 and Oct. 12 cruises.
Bluegrass, country and blues enthusiasts might check out the April 27 cruise, featuring Storefront Congregation.
For 2012 holiday season cruises departing Nov. 19, Dec. 9 and Dec. 14, the classically trained Annie Moses Band family will perform seasonal music.
In addition, the line is bringing back the so-called Riverlorian concept from the former Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Mary Charlton, who has served as the Riverlorian onboard Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen in the past, is returning to Steamboat American Queen in that role.
Visit www.greatamericansteamboatcompany.com/entertainment