THROUGH THE LENS: The 2024 Cayamo Cruise Presented Roots Music at Its Finest

The 16th edition of the Cayamo cruise set sail from Miami on March 1 for a week of roots music at sea. Promoted by founder Sixthman as “A Journey Through Song,” the floating festival once again delivered on its promise of unforgettable sets and rare collaborative performances that can only occur on a self-contained ship. The comingling of the performers with one another, and with their fans, is not accidental nor merely encouraged, it’s a prerequisite.

With female artists almost in equal numbers with male artists, and Black and LGBTQ+ artists well represented, it was most likely the most diverse lineup in the festival’s history.

Cayamo was covered for Through the Lens by veteran cruisers Brenda Rosser and Boom Baker, with additional photos contributed by fellow ND photographers Brian Miller, Larry John Fowler, and Jean Van Devanter White.

Cayamo 2024 by Brenda Rosser

There is no one more revered or beloved in the roots music world than Buddy Miller. So it was fitting that he kicked things off before our Miami departure, telling passengers “It’s good to be home.” Backed by Phil Madeira, Brady Blade, and Dave Jacques, and with guests Steve Fishell, Shawn Colvin, The War and Treaty, and Eamon McLaughlin, Miller had us in tears of joy. 

As we we sailed out of port, The Mavericks had those of us at Pool Deck up and dancing. Lyle Lovett brought a top-notch version of his acoustic group for two fast-paced shows. Returning artists The Lone Bellow, Lake Street Dive, The War and Treaty, Rodney Crowell, The Mavericks, Billy Bragg, and Shawn Mullins all had packed shows all week. In addition to her solo shows and guest spots with Buddy Miller, Lovett and others, Shawn Colvin hosted a show with Crowell, Rachael Price, and Bragg. Nikki Lane put on a tight and fun set under the blazing Caribbean sun, filled with leaps into the audience and some sass for a cruiser who had accidentally absconded with her Starbucks coffee the day before.

Susan Werner gave a master class in performance. She did “Barbed Wire Boys” in the audience and sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the Atrium staircase. During Shawn Mullins’ variety show, she went onto the wheelchair platform for the “L’amour Est un oiseau rebelle” aria from the opera Carmen, adding, “I have a degree in opera, but I never use it, it’s just a good party trick.” She finished by sitting on audience members’ laps, sliding down the row one lap at a time.

KT Tunstall kept things lively. Kelly Willis brought a tight backing band and a satchel of songs. Brandy Clark hosted a lively songwriters in the round with Dom Flemons and Willis. Clark’s smooth solo shows featured songs from her recent self-titled release (ND review). Clark also highlighted her band members’ duo project, Tattletale Saints, for several songs in her sets.

In addition to the Cayamo performing veterans, some newer artists delighted the crowds as well. Voted onto the ship via the cruise’s Soundcheck competition, Kyshona’s powerful vocals had audiences calling her a force of nature.

Abe Partridge had me laughing and crying at his Great Outdoors show on the sun-drenched back deck. Do not miss this unique songwriter and folk artist if he comes to your town.

Adeem the Artist was a revelation. I loved Adeem’s songs and engaging and humorous look at life. A highlight was their new single, “One Night Stand,” which they termed “the gay ’90s country bop song you didn’t know you needed.”

Gabe Lee’s songs reminded me of early Jason Isbell and John Prine but with his own distinct voice. Lee and his terrific backing band found many new fans.

A special note of appreciation for some MVP side players. who appeared on many stages, alongside many artists: Kelly Halloran (violin), Bridget Kearney (bass), Rachel Coats (bass) and Luciana Costa (dobro).

Cayamo 2024 by Boom Baker

This was my 12th Cayamo cruise and the best music vacation ever. In addition to the music, there are plenty of auxiliary activities involved, including wine tasting and jewelry making, plus excursions when the ship docked at ports in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and Oranjestad, Aruba. It was another week of music, sun, and camaraderie with like-minded souls.

There were many young artists that were able to play with their heroes and held their own, such as Gabe Lee (another artist voted onto the cruise via the Soundcheck competition), who with his band backed Raul Malo in his solo show. I especially enjoyed Jenny Owen Youngs’ performances, Sunny War’s maturity, and Alexa Rose’s relatable themes.

As good as the individual sets were, showcases helmed by The Bluegrass Situation and Black Opry Revue were the twin peaks of this year’s cruise. With BGS, Mipso hosted a nightcap set with Hiss Golden Messenger, Dom Flemons, Lizzie No, Rachel Price, and Taylor Ashton. Black Opry, a loose association of Black artists in country, Americana, blues, folk and roots music, presented numerous sets that were among my favorite Cayamo moments. The highlight for me was a writers-in-the-round set with performances from Leyla McCalla, Dom Flemons, Jon Muq, Sunny War, SistaStrings, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Brady Blade, Ping Rose, and The War and Treaty. To say it was inspirational is an understatement.

To top it off, BGS & Black Opry paired up to host a late-night Live Artist Karaoke, where guitarist Ping Rose’s cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain” went through the stratosphere. So did my heart and soul.

Click on any photo below to view the gallery as a full-size slideshow.