Sail to the Sound of Guitar
Imagine for a minute that you’re aboard a 1922 racing schooner, anchored off the coast of Maine for the night, wine glass in hand as you soak up a magical sunset. Above it all rise the quiet notes of live acoustic guitar.
Sound Appealing?
Experience it yourself on our upcoming Acoustic Music Cruise, July 6–10.
We’ve invited accomplished jazz guitarist Bill Barnes to join us for the duration. By day, he’ll noodle away as we explore the magnificent coast of Maine. Each evening, Bill’s musicianship will lend a pleasant, musical backdrop as the conversation and camaraderie ebb and flow.
With a diverse career as a professional studio musician in the NYC scene, back-up guitarist, and music journalist, Bill is an approachable, jovial guy with plenty of stories to share.
Final Cabin Availability
We have a few spots remaining on this specialty cruise.
Acoustic Music Cruise
July 6–10, 2019 (4 nights, Sat–Wed)
Departing out of Rockland, Maine
$1,738 per person includes everything
Alternatively, call 1-800-999-7352 or email info@schoonerladona.com.
About Guitarist Bill Barnes
Although jazz has always been his passion, Bill actually began his professional career in the late sixties as a backup musician for touring R&B recording acts. His first national tour was with Atco Records star Arthur Conley (“Sweet Soul Music”) on a series of concert dates to promote the release of Conley’s second hit single, “Funky Street.”
Since then he has played with recording artists such as Eddy Floyd, Spider Turner, Sam the Sham, Rufus Thomas, The Drifters, The Coasters, Tommy Roe, The Marvelettes, Len Barry, Gary US Bonds, Dion, Little Eva, Gabrielle Goodman, and many others.
On the concert stage he has opened for a diverse lineup of top acts including Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, Dobie Gray, Tommy James and the Shondells, Blue Oyster Cult, Michael Henderson, Betty Wright, Peaches & Herb, The Turtles, KC and the Sunshine Band and Curtis Mayfield.
In New York he worked as a studio musician for over 13 years, doing sessions for Don Casale’s Easy Street and Malaco Records as well as various projects for Columbia Records.
With three CD’s to his credit, Bill is also an accomplished music journalist and essayist. His music reviews and feature articles have appeared in publications such as New York Nitelife and the popular jazz website, Jazz.com. Editor-in-Chief Ted Gioia (History of Jazz, Delta Blues, Healing Songs) called him “Jazz.com’s resident expert on Gypsy Jazz.”
Craft the Perfect Cocktail While Under Sail
In our newest themed trip, explore the art of bar craft, taking fresh, handmade ingredients and creating an experience worth imbibing.
For us, stepping aboard Ladona is about an experience: sailing, camaraderie, the beautiful Maine coastline, food, wine, music—all in an authentic and unscripted way. In our newest specialty cruise, explore the art of bar craft, taking fresh, handmade ingredients and creating an experience worth imbibing.
Anchor dropped and cocktail class underway. Teetotalers welcome!
What can I expect on this cruise?
We're teaming up with Lara Nixon of Bad Dog Bar Craft to share her knowledge and expertise. Throughout the cruise, you’ll learn the art of cocktail making using fresh and unique ingredients. Lara will create several beverages throughout each day, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Once we’ve anchored for the evening, we might gather for a demonstration, chat about the history of specific drinks, or demystify terms like negroni, shrubs, and bitters. With summer weather, you’ll likely be sipping away at a refreshing cocktail, while cooler fall evenings may call for a hot toddy bar.
What are the Bar Craft sailing dates?
We’re offering multiple opportunities on our two schooners in 2019 and 2020:
Jun 23–27, 2019 (during Negroni Week; read below!)
Sep 27–Oct 1, 2019
Oct 3–7, 2019, on our sister ship the Stephen Taber
Jun 24–28, 2020
Oct 2–6, 2020
Oct 8–12, 2020, on our sister ship the Stephen Taber.
Join us for Negroni Week
If you’re looking for that extra special twist, join us on our cruise June 23–27 for Negroni Week. Ladona is a participating venue in this nationwide charity fundraiser and supporter of the Surfrider Foundation. We’ll be dedicating one evening to the negroni cocktail itself.
