Topic starter
15/07/2007 8:22 pm
Recently I had the honor of doing a guest performance of my ragtime show on the Delta Queen as she steamed between Memphis and St. Louis. As part of a cast of various reunion entertainers participating in different parts of the cruise, I had the great pleasure of spending time aboard with some of my favorites. Boarding in Memphis the same day was the very talented husband and wife folk singing duo Dave Para and Cathy Barton. Cathy and Dave have become beloved regulars on the Delta Queen, and it’s always a special treat when they are aboard with their homespun entertainment and variety of musical instruments, all of which they play so beautifully in accompaniment to their sweet singing of songs and ballads of the rivers. Dave and I look sort of like we could be twin brothers, and indeed passengers and crew often mistake us for each other. We’ve had a lot of laughs over this, and most recently I was walking along the street in Cape Girardeau the morning following Cathy and Dave’s wonderful performance, when a passenger hailed me from the other side of the street saying how much he had enjoyed “our” performance last night. I politely thanked him. Then there was a time a passenger struck up a conversation with Dave in the Forward Cabin Lounge and eventually Dave, realizing he has no idea what the man is talking about says, “Sir, I think you think you’re talking to Jazzou.” But perhaps the best laugh came from the time a couple of years ago when Dave was setting up the stage in the Orleans Room. He had his back turned and was bending over plugging something in when dining room server Maurice Hardy walked in and said, “Hey Jazzou, what’s goin’ on?” Apparently, we look the same from the other end, too!
A special treat was getting to cruise with Nadine Louviere again. In the ten years Nadine worked for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company she did everything from purser to bartender, from Cruise Director to Riverlorian, and when she fell in love with and married bandleader David Evans, she was given in marriage by Captain Gabe Chengery. The wedding took place in the Aft Cabin Lounge and was featured in People Magazine.
When I performed my ragtime show on this cruise I had the unique opportunity to reintroduce in a most special way, my original composition “Ragtime Mary Greene – A Ghostly Two-Step,” which had received its premiere public performance aboard the Delta Queen May 16, 2005 at mile 301.4 on the Tennessee River. During that first performance I had set a chair center stage and invited the ghost of Mary Greene to sit in it to hear her piece for the first time (I am pretty sure she was there). This time, dear friend and granddaughter of the ghost, Jane Greene was aboard as a reunion personality, regaling the passengers with her humorous and memorable stories of growing up on the Greene Line steamboats. Jane so kindly agreed to sit in the chair this time while I played the piece. After performing it, I presented Jane with the first copy of the notated sheet music for “Ragtime Mary Greene” which I’ve just published in limited edition. Along with re-edited copy of my other two pieces “Paddlewheel Rag” (1998) and “High Water” (1981), which, incidentally also received its premiere public performance on the Delta Queen ( May 5, 1982 at mile 417.5 on the Ohio River), “Ragtime Mary Greene” rounds out my River Trilogy. For those who would like to have a copy for their river collections, or to play on their piano, it will be available soon, with details on how to obtain it right here on the Steamboats.org website. The exquisite cover photo of the Trilogy, which features the Delta Queen’s paddlewheel and rainbow, was taken by fellow river traveler John Mullen. John and his wife, Carol were also aboard from Memphis to St. Louis a couple of weeks ago when I cruised. I would also like to thank Daniel and Penny Hood for the amazing little windup piano player that plays “The Entertainer,” which appeared in the show, too.
Jane, Nadine, and I were invited to participate in a symposium, which turned into a fun reminiscence of old times on the boat. Discovery Guide Mary Charlton asked some leading questions and then off we went remembering many things, most of which we could mention. Of course the likes of Bud Black, Vic Tooker, Betty Blake, Doc Hawley and countless others all entered into the fray and I’m sorry they couldn’t all be there to defend themselves…. Great times – amazing memories.
Performing river music with Bob Schad and Mike Gentry was fun, as it always is. And being greeted by legendary passengers Pat Traynor and her daughter, Barb Hameister (thanks for the delicious chocolate chip cookies, Barb!), JoAnn Schoen (thanks for the tasty fudge, JoAnn!), and Patti Loftin when we landed in St. Louis was the capper.
Just wanted to let you know how nice it was to be back on the river on the ol’ Delta Queen again for a few days. And yes, what an honor it was to land back aboard the same day as the pilothouse eagle!
Jazzou
15/07/2007 10:32 pm
OK, OK, OK...We feel awful...We weren't there...And we feel really bad about it. We're intelligence challenged, next time we'll listen (the Belle cruise, the great steamboat race, and any UMR trip, the Belle cruise, the great steamboat race, and any UMR trip. I think I've got it, e-mail me if I forget any of this...) 😉 But I will admit you DID warn us...And Pat's been bugging us for ages to get us to book...
But you don't have to rub it in!
Mike was there, too? You and Mike together? I missed out on both Rockytop and Mapleleaf Rag? I missed out on the always popular version of "The Entertainer" and a "Ghostly two-step"? I missed Little Sir Echo, or didn't you play the calliope? Grrrrr, grrr, grrrrrrr...One of the funniest things I remember about our past DQ cruises is you and Mike doing dueling banjos with one banjo and the Texas piano, at the "pajama party"... and then there is Mike doing his Vox Calliopus stuff, absolutely fantastic..."...marching through Georgia", indeed!...
Miss you guys, a alot, a friggin' alot...you guys, along with Bob and Bob and Annie and Walt and the boys ARE the DQ entertainment that we want to hear. And I will be the first to admit that I'm concerned that Dave and Linda Dewey don't quite understand when we talk about Jazzou...and Mike...and Annie...Thank gawd for Bob and Bob and Walter...
Next year, maybe, Deb and I can do this. Now that the infamous vacation time isn't an issue anymore (only 15, count 'em 15 more days!).
But Geezz, you and Mike and the Eagle all in a period of days? I think I need some aspirin...
And Deb and I are thrilled you were back for even a little bit. Honestly, we know how important it was to you. Here is my vote for you and Mike to come back alot! Drag Annie along too...
But we weren't there and I have a question that I would have asked if I was there for Steamboat Mary's symposium...What was it like for you the very first couple of days as a new hire on the very new Mississippi Queen?
16/07/2007 3:23 am
OK, OK, Bruno, I THINK we're gettin' it. Reading Jazzou's post, I was thinking, "AAAUGH!!! I wish I coulda been there!!!" Especially since I've been listening to Jazzou's CD. Someday's gotta come. . . . .
Jeeez, 15 days. . . . I've got, I dunno, probably 10 years. . . .. AAAUGH! Thknk I'd better do some gold panning in the stream (which is dry now, we need rain!).
S'
David D.
Topic starter
16/07/2007 1:42 pm
Congratulations, Bruno on your upcoming retirement! Your new career as a more-frequent-than-ever floater awaits you and Deb.
<a question that I would have asked if I was there for Steamboat Mary's symposium...What was it like for you the very first couple of days as a new hire on the very new Mississippi Queen?>
as a matter of fact, she asked that very question and my answer had something to do with going to New Orleans for the first time ever in my life, not being briefed by Cruise Director Catfish Mallory on the calliope and just pushing the button and hearing all this strange wheezing coming out, and something too about having to change my name from Tom Jones to something more riverine after women were throwing their undergarments and room keys at me. Diane almost made me come home.
16/07/2007 2:19 pm
Here is a picture of Bob taken on the AQ just after it went through the Williow Island lock on the Ohio, headed to Pittsburgh on July 8.
20/07/2007 2:11 pm
A late review week of July 5-12 DELTA QUEEN, Upper Miss
Thanks Jazzou, for calling us DELTA QUEEN lovers, legendary. We'll take the compliment. What a birthday celebration you planned for the shared birthdays of Pat Traynor, you and myself! Those fireworks were wonderful!!! Even if it was a few days late, it was worth the wait!
I'm just now getting caught back up at the office after being gone for a week and a half. My boss says he'll never okay that much time off again! Since most of the DELTA QUEEN schedule next year starts and ends mid week looks like I might have a problem!
Our trip on the Upper Miss was wonderful. We left St. Louis late in the afternoon on July 5th after visiting with John and Carol Mullen. We got some great shots of the sun shining off of the ADMIRAL. It was very warm the first few days, but the heat could not keep us indoors when the Eagle came aboard at Alton, IL on Friday, July 6th and was rehung on the pilot house. What a treat to be there in person.
There were many small boats out for the weekend. Many parked and camped along the sandy islands on both sides of the river.
The further up river we went the more beautiful it got. We were in Hannibal, MO on the Saturday after the 4th of July. They were still celebrating. Just over the flood wall was a "mud" volleyball tourney. I just kinda looked in as I walked by when exploring downtown. We were graced on the boat with visits from several couples of Tom Sawyers and Becky Thatchers. We found out later from a crew member who grew up in Hannibal that they actually have a contest each year to see who will represent the community better. The youngsters have to do well in school and participate in community activites. These kids were well behaved and seemed to enjoy visiting aboard the boat. Of course, I did my best to encourage them that when they got older they might want to ride on her.
Sunday, July 8th was a cruise day. Still pretty warm out on deck. The rocking chairs and swings on the Cabin Deck bow were pretty full about all day. But I found that everytime I'd get in a rocker I'd drop right off to sleep. So I preferred to sit in one of the swings, so I could stay awake better and watch the scenery.
Judy, I have forgotten your lock number and don't have my Compass Points here at the office to refer to. What a treat it was to see Judy and Suzanne and Richard Martinez at the Rock Island locks. There was Judy camera in hand and a big bag of cookies for the crew. With foresight from Pat Traynor we had doubloons to toss to visitors at each lock. The further upriver we went the more visitors there were. Who would think such a small token could be so much fun. The kids and adults both seemed to enjoy it.
It was just getting dark when we went by the landing of Suzanne and Richard's. It was not a problem to tell which place was theirs. It looked like Christmas in July. We gave them a whistle salute.
Monday found us arriving in Dubuque earlier than scheduled. But there they were, our river friends, Judy, Suzanne and Richard joined by Kathy Lake and David and Jon Tschiggfrie. David and Jon were taking pictures and filming all day. Including "chartering" a small fishing boat and following us up the river when we left Dubuque in the evening. I can't wait until that film comes out in Hollywood! I'm sure they got some very good footage!
By the way, I loved the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium and Hall of Fame. You usually have to twist my arm to get off the boat. But that was one stop I was glad I got off. The Museum is first class. Also the TWLIGHT was tied up right in front of us. Cute little boat.
And we didn't miss giving a whistle salute at the Lake Lodge even if it was 10:30 at night!
Tuesday, July 10th found us arriving in LaCrosse, WI a little early as well. And there sat the JULIA BELLE SWAIN. What a treat to get to see her too. The river front park in LaCrosse is lovely. Many, many folks turned out the see the DELTA QUEEN during the day. They also had entertainment throughout the day, with reenactors and bands of various sorts. I did take the time to walk up to their visitors center and view their river exhibit - which was well done for the small space they had to work with.
And the river kept on getting lovelier. Wider, shallower, more islands, higher hills. I've always thought I liked the Upper Ohio best, but now I have two favorite river trips! Unfortunately we went through Lake Pepin too early for me to be out on deck. I hope my friends took lots of pictures.
Our last day out was a stop in Red Wing. Again a lovely, neat, clean little town. The St. James Hotel lobby is a treasure. I happened to have gone ashore with a musician and when the clerk offered to turn on the pipe organ I got my own personal concert. What a treat! Also a naturalist came to the landing with a real live bald eagle that had been injured and has to remain in capativity. She was beautiful and he gave a very nice presentation. I learned allot and enjoyed seeing more eagles as we headed upriver.
Okay, count em. I got off the boat four stops out of the five! Really unusual for me. But I got some great shots of the DELTA QUEEN with many pretty flowers framing her. The towns are all so neat and clean and the river fronts are overflowing with baskets and bed of flowers. They know how to greet steamboats up there!
Too bad there isn't some way to figure out how to let visitors aboard when we're in those towns. Obviously many folks have some money up there as there are many large beautiful houses overlooking the river. And folks turn out to wave at the boat as she goes by whether we stop in their town or not.
I personally did not take any of the company offered shore tours. But I had friends that did, who said they were worth the time and expense. Mary Charlton did a bang up job as our Discovery Guide. I already knew she lived and breathed the DELTA QUEEN. But I didn't know she was such a great story teller. Unfortunately with so many locks she got prempted several times. She was out and available all hours of the day and night to answer any questions. I don't know when she slept.
The menu was pretty much the same as the spring trip I was on. I'm a pretty picky eater, but everything I ordered was tasty and there was plenty of it. And the dining room crew will try to take care of any request you have. One night a couple of us shared one dessert, so we just got an extra plate. Another evening I wanted half portions of two entrees. I swear one portion did not look like half! Tory and Travis are a real team. Tory remembered each evening who ordered what to drink and when Barb wanted her coffee.
Unfortunately I missed most of Pat Taylors after dinner concerts in the Texas. I just can't stay off the deck watching the scenery go by. No kite flying. Seems none on this trip brought their own. We did have a "repeater's party" of sorts. But everyone was invited whether you were a repeater or first timer. ?? We did get nice certificates signed by the captain. And we had Calliope Capers and got certificates. But no swearing in. Sure miss that!
The gift shop still has a cabin winner of the day. No luck this time. But I have won before! The new purser is a really nice upbeat gal from the west coast. We think Jonena is a keeper. She "gets it".
My cabinmate and I did not eat at the same dinner time. Our cabin attendant just adjusted to us and it didn't appear to cause her any problem at all. I must admit I stuffed my fluffy bed linen under the bed. I decided I just couldn't tolerate it in that bunk cabin like I did on my spring trip.
Count down to my next trip. 69 days! However next year looks bleak. Nothing booked so far. And I worry about the exemption. I've heard so many conflicting stories about it's in the bag and then the next person I speak with, who I think might know what's going on, says it will never go through. So if any one out there knows a Representative or Senator personally I would think it would be a good idea to have a talk with them.
And in case, you haven't gotten the latest information, there are a few trips on both the DELTA QUEEN and AMERICAN QUEEN yet this year that the company is offering some really good rates. If you've ever wanted to ride on the boats and just didn't think you could afford it. NOW IS THE TIME!!!!
20/07/2007 5:25 pm
After Jo Ann's excellent review of our trip, I just need to add one clarification. She mentioned Pat Taylor's "concerts" in the Texas. Actually, they weren't concerts, but wonderful opportunities to play "name that tune." And we had a bunch of folks who loved trying to remember the words to sing along, or at least the title. We watched the river go by, as we tried not to let Pat stump us. She did a few times, though. Sometimes we would all seem stumped and then remember just in time to sing the title words all together -- and Pat would laugh as we cheered ourselves. It was great fun, thanks to Pat and a great group of passengers.
23/07/2007 1:00 am
Glad this thread popped up again, as it reminded me that I hadn't put in my two cents worth yet! Thanks so much for getting us aboard the boat on the 4th of July, Jazzou - wow! what a way to spend the holiday! I hadn't known too far ahead that my daughter was going to join us - guess she had a good time, as she spent the day with us again in Red Wing. On her way back to the airport she even took a detour off the expressway and watched us Lock through #3!
Thanks for the show in the Texas! It was great to hear you play again - I do have your CD's, but it's not the same. Wish you could have been on for the trip up to St. Paul - kept poor Tony busy, playing at all those Locks, plus all his other regular shows, etc.
Look forward to seeing you and Diane on the AQ in December!
Pat