Quickly becoming the mainstay of our All Star drummers, Ernie Adams returns again to share his showmanship and percussion artistry that he has displayed over the years with some of the greatest names in jazz, including, Ramsey Lewis, Nancy Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie and our own Clark Terry.

SHELLY BERG
Always a favorite of The Jazz Cruise fans, we are pleased to have pianist Shelly Berg back on the cruise anchoring the All Stars. Though Shelly still spends a considerable amount of his time as an educator, his performing life continues to grow and so too does his worldwide profile. The Jazz Cruise is proud to have played a part in the development of this scintillating pianist’s career.

WYCLIFFE GORDON
Despite his busy schedule as a conductor, composer, arranger and educator, Wycliffe Gordon has found time, again, for him and his trombone to join us for the cruise. Whether he is performing with his own group or as a stalwart of the All Stars, as he is doing this year, Wycliffe is always a favorite of The Jazz Cruisers.
www.wycliffegordon.com

EDDIE HIGGINS
No musician is more identified with The Jazz Cruise than pianist Eddie Higgins. The Jazz Cruise was proud to induct him into its Hall of Fame in 2006. Called the Professor of the Piano by his contemporaries, his seemingly effortless artistry and style at times belies the passion and energy that his music elicits. Eddie is a true legend of the genre and mainstay of our cruise and program.

RED HOLLOWAY
Returning to his rightful spot in the All Stars is James “Red” Holloway, one of the world’s most recognized and decorated saxophonists. Though he started as a blues player, the world took notice of Red during his association with organist "Brother" Jack McDuff and guitarist George Benson. Since that time, Red has performed with the best names in the music world.
www.redholloway.com

TOM KENNEDY
Hailing from St. Louis, the hometown of Jazz Cruises, LLC, the saga of Tom “I Don’t Cruise” Kennedy is well documented. After being dragged onto the ship five years ago, Tom and his bass have been a fixture in the All Stars ever since. Immediately hailed by fellow performers as “their kind of bassist”, Tom is a huge fan favorite as well.
www.tomkennedymusic.com

JAY LEONHART
Those who say that musical artistry and humor do not mix have not met bassist Jay Leonhart. Luckily for us, and for our guests all of these years, we do know that Jay is one of the most entertaining, enjoyable and likable performers in the business. This bassist is a brilliant musician and humorist and clearly one of the pillars of The Jazz Cruise.
www.jayleonhart.com

VICTOR LEWIS
Internationally acclaimed drummer and composer Victor Lewis began playing professionally at 15. Eventually, Victor joined the Woody Shaw’s band and made his recording debut on Shaw's classic, The Moontrane. Victor has also played with Earl Klugh, David Sanborn and Stan Getz and Grover Washington Jr.

KEN PEPLOWSKI
A man of extraordinary talent, humor and compassion, this master of the clarinet and the saxophone carries the flag for the greats of the past and does so in his own style and name. Ken is a leader and, in many ways, the backbone of the cruise musicians. Assuming his new role as Music Director of The Jazz Cruise, Ken will be a very busy person on the ship, but never too busy to share a joke or a story with our guests.
www.kenpeplowski.com

SPECIAL GUEST - ARTURO SANDOVAL
Arturo Sandoval is fluent in at least four musical languages. He can burn through an Afro-Cuban groove, tear up a bebop tune, soar over a Mozart concerto and soothe you with a luscious ballad; with equal power and grace. A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, Sandoval was born in Artemisa, a small town in the outskirts of Havana, Cuba. Sandoval was a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning group Irakere, and since his arrival to the US in 1990, he has been awarded 4 Grammy’s, 6 Billboards and an Emmy Award. He is one of the most dynamic and vivacious live performers of our time.

RICKEY WOODARD
Rickey Woodard is one of the finest reedmen on the jazz scene today. Equally comfortable playing alto, tenor or soprano saxophone, as well as guitar and clarinet, Rickey is one of the most sought after musicians in the world and always a fan favorite of The Jazz Cruise. Truly an All Star in all respects.