OurStage At Sea: Missive From The Rock Boat XIII

posted in: By Genres • OurStage Updates • Rock

Ahoy, OurStage!

James, here – your faithful OurStage editor and social media coordinator. I’m writing you from atop the Norwegian Peal, a gigantic cruise ship transformed into the 13th annual ROCK BOAT that is currently sailing somewhere near the Bahamas. It’s 85 degrees and cloudy here, but still gorgeous, and we are less than an hour from our third full day of rock and roll. I would have written sooner, but satellite-based Internet is not exactly what you would call a reliable form of communication. Don’t worry though, I’ve been carrying around my camera on all our adventures, and will have plenty to share with you all when I return.

The Rock Boat XIII departed from the Port Of Miami on Sunday night just a short while after the sun had begun to set. Organizers passed out shots of (festival sponsor) Cabo Wabo tequila to everyone of age, and a toast was held to celebrate the beginning of our journey. Later, from the pool deck, (also known as the top floor), attendees watched NEEDTOBREATHE play a full one-hour set while the lights illuminating the Florida coast slowly slipped out of sight.

The first two days were spent on Great Stirrup Cay, a tiny island outfitted with a large, ocean front stage specifically setup for this event. The boat’s 2000+ attendees were taxied from the ship to shore by a fleet of small tender boats, then set free to roam the land, take part in a number of aquatic attractions, eat BBQ, and of course, rock out in the sun. I saw festival hosts Sister Hazel play both full band and acoustic sets, as well as emerging acts like OS favorites Bronze Radio Return, all from the comfort of the ocean (it was way too hot to stand on the beach).

It seems almost surreal, now that I’ve written down the events of those days, but I guess that is the kind of “once-in-a-lifetime experience” the promoters of The Rock Boat have strived to create all along.

When the sun began to set on the second day, everyone returned to the ship and waved goodbye to the little place that had surely forged many new memories. The moon came out, the temperature dropped (aided by a strong ocean breeze), and a dozen additional acts played throughout the ship’s multiple venues. Highlights included former Warped Tour OurStage act Junior Doctor playing the pool deck, <em>The Voice</em>’s Tony Lucca, and a 12:30AM set from one of my personal favorites, Good Old War.

Today is Wednesday, which means we are now at sea for two straight days. I’ve yet to see any bands this morning, but as the day goes on I’ll be capturing moments from performances by Rusted Root, Red Wanting Blue, Green River Ordinance, and A Rocket To The Moon. I’m not sure I could have devised such a diverse, yet insanely enjoyable lineup myself.

If you have ever thought about spending a week at sea, a cruise like The Rock Boat is the way to go. The experience here is unlike any other festival environment, and those who attend are by far some of the friendliest music fans you could ever hope to meet. Everyone respects the artists, even if it’s not their favorite music, and there is a genuine excitement in the air before each and every performance that permeates even the most sunburned skin (and boy are we sunburned).

Due to the aforementioned Internet issues, sending many photos has proven near impossible, but I’ll have the goods for you on Friday.

Stay classy, Internet. I miss you.