04/06/2010
Wilma Mankiller crossed over today, after a short bout with pancreatic cancer. She was ready and prepared to face that walk we all must face. As a leader she was honest and trusted in revealing information to the people, leading, as we all should lead, as a representative of the peoples' will. Unfortunately, though, people do not always take the strength offered to them with the information given. She became a victim of false statements and accusations from corrupt self serving vain men of her tribe. She will remain an inspiration for women seeking to walk in strength and passion for what is right, and those that know the truth will remember her walk.

03/28/2010
I am on vacation now and not appearing aboard the Legend......Ill let you know next ship, which will be in May.

03/20/2010
http://vimeo.com/10165670
Please Distribute Widely!
Niawen Ko!
Joanne Shenandoah


Native Teen Needs Hard to Find Bone Marrow Donor

by Doug George-Kanentiio


Taylor Matt was an energetic teenager who had endured chemotherapy at age 12 and was entering her senior year at Cazenovia High School where she planned to carry on playing field lacrosse while studying hard for college and perhaps becoming a nurse like her mom Debra. She was also a role model for her younger sister Jessie and much admired student to her many friends.

Taylor's dad, Jeffrey, is a carpenter who coaches lacrosse, a game with deep roots within the Onondaga Nation. Jeffrey has played the game with his Onondaga relatives and took pride in Taylor's skills on a defense, a position which requires a high degree of proficiency with the stick and a willingness to get tough before the goal.

Taylor was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) one of several forms of the disease and unusual since it normally effects older people. It is marked by fatigue, swelling of the gums, anemia, bleeding, bruising and shallow, labored breathing. The white blood cells explode in number and consume the red, leaving the body prone to infections. Chemotherapy works in most cases, as it did for Taylor five years ago. The doctors were successful in restoring Taylor's health and were optimistic that after five years she would be liberated from the cancer.

Last August, while working at the New York State Fair, Taylor collapsed. When she was examined at the hospital the doctors found that the leukemia had returned. Since then Taylor has been in the Golisano Children's wing at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse,NY but now she must have a bone marrow donor is she is to survive.

There are over 7,000,000 people registered as bone marrow donors which, under normal circumstances, would be good news for Taylor since she is young and athletic. But Taylor comes from a family which has not only Onondaga but German and Irish roots which makes the donor process more complicated. She has been told she needs a Native American donor ( or one of mixed Caucasian-Native ancestry) exclusiveof her immediate family. Since less than 2% of all donors are Native the chances of locating that perfect match is difficult. Natives have not had much success battling leukemia. Not only do most reservation dwelling Natives have limited access to health services but only 20% of those who need bone marrow transplants actually find a matching donor.

This is further qualified by the high rates of diabetes among most Natives since diabetics who take insulin are excluded from becoming donors as are those over 60 years of age or anyone who has had cancer, heart disease or HIV. Non-insulin taking diabetics, or those with pre-diabetes, may join.

This did not deter Taylor's family, friends and community from initiating bone marrow donor drives throughout the region. Clinics were held at Onondaga and Oneida territories in which hundreds signed up for the initial test which consists of four swabs of the inner cheek and, once the questionnaire has been completed, takes less than 10 minutes for the entire process.

Donor drives are planned for other Iroquois communities with the assistance of the Wiliam G. Pomeroy Foundation, a central New York organization whose president is a leukemia survivor. The Foundation has enlisted the help of Joanne Shenandoah, the GRAMMY winning Oneida performer, to spread the word through a series of radio and television commercials to be disseminated throughout the northeast.

Meanwhile, Taylor has been able to go home for short periods, to be with her high school class. She will not be playing with her club team for the Ethix league or wearing the Cazenovia High School uniform this season but as aggressive as she was on defense she will be with leukemia. She is grateful for those who have tested to become possible donors and is optimistic that somewhere in Native country there is the perfect match.

For more information about leukemia or to arrange a donor drive contact: www.giftoflifeonline.org ; or call Paula Miller at the William Pomeroy Foundation at 315-476-300 ext.2576.


03/18/2010
I've finished my book Road Stories, and, until March 24th,you can get a copy emailed to you just by requesting it through my contact info here. Only thing I ask is that you enter a review of the book in my guestbook after reading it.
BRUCE

03/03/2010
WELL. ONLY FOUR MORE WEEKS LEFT AND I'LL BE HEADING HOME TOWARD MEMPHIS TENN. IT'S BEEN A GOOD CONTRACT ABOARD THE LEGEND, AND I'VE GOTTEN SEVERAL JOBS ON LAND FROM IT. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN CONTACTING ME FOR YOUR HOUSE PARTY OR BUSINESS JUST EMAIL ME AT brucebarham@yahoo.com AND WE CAN DISCUSS THAT.
SEAS ARE ROUGH AT MOMENT, HIGH WINDS YESTERDAY WERE AT 50 MPH. BUT THE WEATHER IN GENERAL HAS BEEN LOVELY FOR THE PORTS WE MAKE, NOT TOO HOT TO ENJOY, GOOD WALKING WEATHER AND RELAXATION.

02/17/2010
So, sitting in a beach chair under grass wrapped thatched cover, on a beach in Costa maya it's a cool day, cloudy, light breeze, three ships ported at the pier. People are  mostly barefoot letting their feet enjoy the nice sands, even if they aren't in the water, and, or just sitting, talking, drinking, enjoying. The Japanese lady with me is getting a massage. Here many massage tables are set up, and with oils it is 20 bucks for thirty minute massage. For lunch we had tortillas filled
with guacomole and fried beans, and fresh  orange juice to drink. It is so peaceful, with walking musicians, as usual,  playing, and even some tourists have also their guitars. Lovely peaceful people enjoying the relaxation of blue waters, cool temps, white sands and life , breathing. <br>
Yesterday in Cozumel after breakfast of fruit bowl and pancakes, I met a French woman who is living in Cozumel. Was so refreshing. She showed me places I did not know of, and we ate a light lunch, then went  for an expresso, and to the dive
shop. I purchased a mask, and a brownie for coffee later. Was a lovely day. It is amazing how a day can unfold beyond your plans. I am thankful for such moments, to be allowed into the presence of such wonderful people.<br>
Tommorrow should be Roatan, Honduras, where I plan to try out my new mask, and enjoy a day off from performing, so perhaps a good relaxation without a time clock.

02/16/2010
It's the 16th, and I'm sitting in Coffee Cozumel, a nice cafe. we  ported today with a good change of itinerary designed to give our guests the best for their money. We are at the Old Port because of high winds, but it is best for them as they can walk into downtown easily. We also will make a new Mexican stop tomorrow which I look forward to as I've never been to Costa Maya.
I travel mostly alone, and that keeps me in sort of an observer mode, listening to people discuss in their own language with one another; observing people's actions, thinking about the beauty of creation, how unnecessary I am, and praying that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I have no will about where to be and what to become other than that. Each day is sufficient, each breath is the important one.
We have many good musicians aboard, each different and good in their own way. Of course, when you are older you desire to "keep up", and when you are younger you desire to have as long a repertoire and "catch up", but we are each as we are, and once you stop appreciating what others do, you've ceased to have joy in what music is all about. It's as diverse as life itself, with various approaches, each valid. It is fine to focus on developing your approach and abilities, and strive. that is growth I suppose, and can be applied to life in general, that one is not to stop, not to give up, not to forget to press on toward that goal of becoming. for me the goal in music in continuously moving.
In life my goal is to trust in God more and more, and I find a great rest in yielding toward God who I feel, for me, has my life in his hand. I would hope the same for you, howbeit I know not all people believe at all in God, tho some will come to believe, others will not...to some the idea of a living creator, not a force, but living spirit from which even goodness flows, is absurd. sometimes arrogance is the reasoning, sometimes its just trying to have an all-encompassing love so as to respect everything and resistance to what people, mankind, do in the name of religion in negative ways. Mankind tho, does evil in it's own name, even without religion. God seeks those that worship in spirit and truth. When we pray, we pray for no wars, and the end to human suffering for all, not just "our side". but enough of this dogma. It's a windy day here, waves spraying mist as they hit the seawalls, and the weather is fabulously inviting for a nice walk, one step at a time.

02/11/2010
Well as an update am sitting in Cozumel and having a spinach/cheese omelet , fresh coffee., refried beans and potatoes for breakfast. Joining me is the soloist that plays in the Casino, Jerry Selix. Such a pleasure to have good coffee on a beautiful day. We plan to go to Alehandros Hand Made Guitar Shop for some supplies and just enjoy the morning. .Well, we did that and from Alehandros we went walking further into town to another music store and found some replacement machine heads, as the Chinese ones on an inexpensive Ibanez I purchased for Lido Deck open tunning performing stripped out . Chinese steel and metals aren't too good.
We also found a tailor quite by mistake and made arrangements for next week to get some hemming done. All in all, after a few more miles walking and getting a cup of strawberry/coconut ice cream and chilling a bit, was a beautiful day in Cozumel, Mexico.

01/14/2010
So, it's a beautiful day in Cozumel. What will crew do today? It varies. Some will group together and shop, maybe do an excursion such as the ruins of Tulum on the mainland, or do a water activity. There's also minature golf in a really nice place for it, with beer and drinks, or bowling. There's the cinema, and shopping for HBA's and other necessities. Most will go for the free internet, at such places as the Baracuda, a hotel/bar/pool owned and operated by a former piano bar ship performer. Some will do Paradise Beach tho most dont like it. I havent figured why they dont like it, because it's a sandy beach with a couple hundred lounge chairs, umbrellas, waiters, open aired restaurant and music and a couple of shops.The food is really good. One factor may be the distance. At this new port we have to take a cab almost everywhere, except for those that will do the 45 minute walk into Cozumel, but it is seven miles to Paradise Beach. Other crew members will basically walk around and look just to get out to land and fresh air. Other crew members will take advantage of the quiet ship and sleep, a precious commodity here. At the least, some will sleep til noon then perhaps have lucnh aboard, do their basics, then plan for an evening meal on land before we all have to be back on ship. Few will fall for the fake cuban cigars vendored all thru the Carribean. Many will do the long walk into Cozumel, get an ice cream, and look around. Some will shop. None will rent the dangerous mopeds. Some will rent a jeep and drive around the island on its only one main highway so you won't get lost, and the outer side is nice to view and is a bit more secluded tho the waters are a bit more dangerous. A few are doing their scuba certifications. Most will go for the free internet in order to keep in touch with their loved ones that are thousands of miles away and the Baracuda hotel/bar/pool is the main place for that.

01/13/2010
Well Tampa of course was historically cold at around 34°F when we arrived, and the waters were and are still choppy, 3-5 ft swells. Pretty rocking currents with the temp changes and such BUT this has and is the BEST audience I've ever had. They, and it's a rather unusual thing, are a very strong Dylan/Byrds acoustic fans. Even AFTER the bar closed Monday night I still played about an hour more, covering Gordon Lightfoot and originals and Simon and Garfunkle to an attentive audience that was both rewarding and enjoyable to me. Even did Chestnut Mare, which tho a good song it doesnt fly well live in loud environments because of the middle movement, but in this setting they were listening and enjoying and it worked well. Where ever I play on this ship this week they follow and film me and laugh and sing along. I can hear them talking about "Oh I saw this group in concert......." as they share memories when I play something from the day. This has been my BEST audience ever, and so rewarding to know they exist. In the morning we will arrive in Cozumel, and I will go ashore and do a few things, then after we set sail I'll play in the Atrium. Usually after Cozumel everyone is burned out and worn down, so....I shall see if any audience comes. I've found that the ships really do not offer very good environments for acoustic guitar players such as I, even tho I do rock and use some pedals. Usually the venues are very loud, and on this ship especially, there are too many disturbing sounds that interrupt audiences such as bartenders throwing bottles into metal containers, (I always say "There's my drummer finally"). Or the grinders they use making frozen drinks which are VERY loud, I almost have to laugh when they crank them up. The casino is full of slot machines and the bar above noises. The back lounge lower deck is next to a disco which cranks up at 10 even with no crowd, none at all in it but security and the music is very LOUD and bleeds out into the bar area where we have to cease playing. The restuarants are at the back by the upper bar, and they get loud and do some sort of dancing and singing as they end dinner sending the guests pumped up back thru the corridor and they don't want to stop then after such a high energy drum-machine cd clapping hands thing in the dinner. Ships aren't good for us as entertainers, but we learn to be decent.and develop a craft as artists. I will gladly play a closed bar any time I can have such a fine audience as these people have been. If Carnival was smarter they'd develop venues for artists such as I, and open them up to even allow jamming with the musician. Here, they won't allow that on this ship, It is the first ship I've ever seen that way. But I did jam with one guest by bringing my second guitar out and he and I and his friends and a few guests sat around acoustically at a table with some chairs. EVERYONE plays guitar, and Carnival has no clue about developing that participation thing. People love acoustic music, Shame there are no really good venues for them to sit back, drink, relax and enjoy. I saw my cruise director drop by my venue tonight. When I got back to my cabin there was a call from the cruise director wanting to borrow my ID for a dancer to get off ship tommorrow as the dancer has port manning and for me to call right back and let them know either way. I thought, "Duh, how was I to be here in my cabin when I was on stage performing?" Its funny about people borrowing your ID, they never so much as say hello to you and then they get port manning duty and want off the ship and then they come up and ask to borrow yours and dont even know your name. I find it rude and selfish and just down right low.

12/30/2009
Thanks for all the good holiday wishes. The ship's chef did us a nice number for the 25th, with carved water melon saying Merry Christmas, and turkey and dressing and fixings and deserts, was a nice effort on their part for us. We are in Cozumel today, and with a younger set of partiers onboard am sure they will come back and sleep early.......New Year is coming, and hope and wish best to you all in that which is your path.

12/17/2009
Wonderful day in Cozumel. Weather, beautiful. Took early offship to Paradise Beach, where I was able to get a really great lunch of bacon wrapped shrimp, vegetables, Romano cheese, fresh bread, followed then by a rum drink and lounge chair in the sand under an umbrella at the beach surrounded by lovely ladies in bikinis and tanning, blue water and laughter from children playing in the water slides. A great relaxation, and people ask me if I like my job?!?!?!
There were seven ships in the ports, bringing a conservative estimate of 14,000 people ashore as tourists. As I was being taxied to Paradise Beach I noticed something. You know when you walk along a highway and there is that white stripe that designates where pedestrians are to walk when there is no sidewalk? Here, in Mexico, that space is for pedestrians, bicycles, and Mopeds. This cruise three women in three different incidents had Moped accidents. I noticed the locals obeyed the rule, riding in that space, but the tourists ride down the highway lands like the cars. On other cruises here I've seen that one woman was killed, another woman got a broken foot, and one man was seriously injured. We try to inform and advise the guests not to rent those Mopeds, but they don't listen. They don't know the local laws either.
As for the music downloads to the left, there are two types, the flutings, and the songs with lyrics. A favorite on the ship has been Cloud Dancin', a favorite of mine is the acoustic version of I'm So Happy To Be With You featuring Annah Graefe joining me on vocals. ....Be well all.

12/11/2009
Well, that's enough about the negative downside of the work. It isn't prison, and in most jobs there are such pressures and results. To answer some FAQ, I use Seagull Acoustics with an exception being an Ibanez for top deck performances (as the corrosion destroys the instruments), Digitech Jamman and Helicon harmonizer and Digitech RP-50 for differentiated effects, ocasionally a Boss Eq, and Shure SM58. Most of my harps are Hohner, although I have a Ssuzuki A but the design is not good for me.
On the upside in this work, you hone your craft, you become very good at what you do,As far as the work environment, it still pays decent although much as for same work on land, yet less expenses to incur- and you do see what you would not normally get to see.
Logistics of running a company this large has it's challenges, such as they have much work aboard and cannot hire twice as many people to do it, so the crew works 10 hours a day 7 days a week for many, and never get ashore, but the ships are maintained and the guests have it made better than if in a 5 star hotel.And we get to meet and see people from all over the world, and see how much we have in common.

12/10/2009
It's a relaxing day in Belize. Guests have enjoyed excursions and shopping today I will have the opportunity to sit and listen to the beautiful Russian pianist while viewing the ocean and sky in the background and having a coffee. Last night a guest attempted to sit in with me on bass and jam, which I always enjoy, but he was stopped by the senior technician who told him corporate offices have dictated that non-employees cannot use the equipment. (He had his own bass, an acoustic, but wasn't allowed to hook into the pa) so much for the Fun! Fun! Fun! Memorable experiences the ship lines are trying to sell and we all enjoy in the magic of music. I've had guests sit in with me on all the previous ships, singers, harmonica players, guitarists, hand drums, saxophones, flutes, piano, and this is the first time I've ever heard such.
Now I know I will enjoy listening to the pianist and unwind a bit

12/9/2009
Here is a typical example of some of the problems we face on board as performers. For this cruise I've played four venues: the Casino, the Lido, the Top Back Lounge and the Lower Back Lounge. The Top Back Lounge is a great venue that is intimate and really sounds good. The Lower Lounge is lousy since its only for pre-dinner sets, and it's right next to the Disco which unfortunately does what is not in harmony with what the Lounge does, for example, a solo guitarist may be playing scheduled like I was but the Disco was cranked up at 10;00, totally drowning me out making an audio sensory overload on the families that were listening to me so that they had to leave. It must be salsa night or some such so the disco was loud salsa music. Now its okay to have the Disco, but its poor planning to have me playing at a time when they are opening up. The Top Lounge is better and isn't get affected by the noise, but somehow this ship has lost the mixer for the Lobby Lounge so to compensate they propose to remove the PA from the Top Lounge which causes my venues to be the Lower (useless) Lounge. (The mixer in the Lower Lounge is built into a rack and not easily movable.) Also, to appease someone that isn't happy with where he is playing they plan to give me more Casino nights so he can play for a better audience that he desires. I'm saying so the non-smokers can hear him, but there are non-smoking areas in the Casino so that's just a pretense. He's a bit better than me but he was hired to play the Casino but wasn't told that clearly, so I catch the brunt of the load to appease him. Actually, in all honesty they can totally get rid of entertainment in the Casino and stick with soloists in the lobby and the top lounge and use calypso /reggae track players in the Lido Top Deck and rock band for dancing in the back and be ok, no pre-dinner on the Lower Lounge, and use the cocktail pianist during the day and other hours for the guests to hear. The problem they have is the decision to rotate us and move us from venue to venue for no real logical reason, it's strange when you are moved to play where the salsa band usually plays because of this rotation thing, and people come all dressed up to dance and wonder what happened to the salsa band. It's just not good business. The guests do not read the daily notifications the ship prints out concerning events and such, they just remember they found something they liked and gotten their friends and came to return and what they liked has moved. Not good business, so we have had one guy quit, and actually a good performer has to wonder what's the point of suffering this abuse.

12/4/2009
Today we are ported in Isla Roatan, Honduras. at Coxen Hole is Yaba Ding Ding, where one can purchase Lenca Ceramics and handmade craftings that all support women's group's, tropical clothing and tie dyes, etc. There is really popular snorkeling here and the guests all tell me that they have their best snorkeling experiences here, which surprised me. We have such a diverse mixture of guests this cruise, Irish, English,USA., and many European, which has been fun. And they know my tunes, ha ha, which has been quite a reward. The cruise has been exceptionally smooth sailing, can't even tell you are moving. My Best to you all.

12/1/2009
So, with all the beautiful ports and wonderful guests, musicians are asking me what is the downside to performing on cruise ships. I cannot answer for all cruise lines, but for this particular cruise lines the downside is corporate directives to use the entertainers in venues not suited for them to be performing . An example is an acoustic guitarist sent to perform on the top deck, which is geared more for party music, which is why cruise lines hire such as calypso and reggae music and caribbean music, and have bands playing there for dances and sail aways. The reason for this on this particular cruise lines is some one scrambled at corporate when the "new guy" came to town and so they looking busy saying "see what we are doing with our entertainment"? we are busy using them all over the ship. And its a poor decision, putting music in venues inappropiate, moving entertainers so guests do not find them performing where they enjoyed them, last night, which is counter productive all the way around. And it's all done with the pretense of saying "look what we are doing, we are managing our entertainment", by people on land who are not really aware of what is best . Longer hours are alos a problem for some musicians, singing and playing five or more hours a night is rather difficult unless one uses tracks to carry 90% of the load, but the guests mostly do not like tracks nor the lackk of enthusiasm that accompanies the performer who doodles over the tracks.Its cheap actually, caused by cutting back on the entertainers from what was once four piece to two piece, and expecting one man to please such a diverse spectrum of guests and age groups, which just doesnt happen.When three hours of prime entertainment can be given and accomplish the need, they schedule for five to please a corporate directive, just to reach the hours land based management dictates, rather silly actually. Theres not many other downsides to performing other that SOP on vessels vary according to how current thwey are with updates, and ship life in general is not a normal life and requires much sacrifice on part of us living on the ship to do the work, i.e., leaving family(many have kids at home) changing diets, long hours,incoveincy of not able to send mail in sunday home ports nor bank easily in sunday home ports, such as one who could not access her bank card because of some gliche and could not go to the bank cause theyr werent open to secure a remedy. Its a rather lonely life also. so thats about the downside, you just have to plan and bring what you need with you as a musician and dont assume the ship has everything, cause they dont usually, such as not enough boom stands, not enough cords, etc., bring bulk strings if you play guitar and back up supplies., least on THIS cruise lines, Im sure not all are the same, some are worse, others better.

11/19/2009
I have finally gotten a bit settled in aboard the Legend. My venues are in the lounges and the audience has been wonderful with spacious seating and quieter than usual. It has afforded me the luxury of performing some softer material such as 'The Dutchman' and Simon and Garfunckel classics and Gene Clark tunes, John Prine, etc., to a listening more attentive audience. This audience also likes the blues, so it's been a bit more fulfilling musically for me than some before, though it's all good, and always a challenge to rise up to meet. Cozumel has been great, wonderful weather, and the residents trying to sell things haven't been too persistent upon the guests and visitors. Three of us are taking our Scuba Certifications there, which will take us about five weeks to accomplish. Then, hopefully, we can dive and explore Belize, which has the second largest barrier reef, with Australia of course having the largest. We are at Belize on Thursdays. Tomorrow we visit Honduras which as of yet I haven't been ashore to see, though the bay is nice. It is basically a green mountainous view of the island and a low economy, which is presented in the lifestyle of the tropics. Home is where the heart is and looks can be deceiving. So I set aside any standard or expectation and remain open minded. That reminds me of a conversation with Nemanja from Bosnia last night. I was asked how I got the sound I use when doing Nothing Else Matters by Metallica, and then he and I conversed and I asked him how Bosnia was, and he replied 'we have concrete and cities' which I found a humorous response. He also said he had been through three wars there. We then expressed our appreciation for what we do now. Hope all is well with you, and that you will sign my guestbook and explore some of these musics over on the left side. Maybe check out a tune called 'Got a Good Thing', and let me know what ya think of it.

11/06/2009
I joined onboard the M/S LEGEND Nov.1st, porting out of Tampa, FL. It's a beautiful SPIRIT class ship crafted in Finland in 2002. The wonderful engineering and design shows in its smooth sailing and quiet operation. We do 7 day cruises, going to Belize, Ratolan, Cozumel. It was good to visit Cozumel again, to be back in the Caribbean after five months in the Pacific. So much construction in Cozumel, along the seashore road. I walked the four miles into town and back, getting some necessities. The other soloist and I will explore getting our scuba certifications in Cozumel. Being this is my first week aboard, the week is a bit jammed getting familiar with the surroundings, as we are trained in the safety procedures for the benefit of both crew and passengers. Though the SOP is the same, the vessels are different in layout, and some procedures are a bit different now. After I get settled we intend to pursue the scuba certifications. Belize is a tender port, much further off ship than Grand Cayman, which is a good place for snorkeling which I thoroughly enjoy. Such vibrant colors of fish and sealife one sees. I can't think of any one other design I'd create if I had the opportunity. Once while snorkeling in the Cayman's, I was joined by huge, and I mean at least five foot long, barracuda right beside me, within easy elbow touching distance. They advise you not to wear shiny objects while snorkeling, as the barraccuda like the attraction. If one watches, the fish that are shiny reflect a distorted reflection under the waters depending on sunlight and angle, so I can understand how shiny would atttract. Belize I've yet to visit. Ratolan, if I have that spelled correctly, is in Honduras. Dancers and drummers greeted us as we docked to the island. Vegetation and trees greened the horizon on the mountain peaks, pastel colors and tiled roofing among the housing, small fishing vessels in the harbor, taxis lined up on the road for the guests. Tourism, which provides money to the inhabitants, is a wonderful sharing service Carnival Cruise Lines does for the world. In fact, CCL is a good thing, providing jobs to people from all over the world, as we have employees onboard from South Africa, the former Russian Federations, UK, Canada, Austrailia, Phillipines, Indonesia,Sweden,India, China, Japan, the Carribean, Mexico and SouthAmericas, and a few United States, though only a few.Last Night I had a Russian singer come onstage and play and sing a russiam folk ballad. Today I perform on the Lido top deck. We have a day at sea tommorrow, and then to Port of Tampa Sunday, to reload guests and begin again this wonderful adventure of seeing God's Creation. I should have more time this next week to go ashore and visit and tell you more about each port in a bit more detail. Meanwhile you can visit Carnival Cruise Lines website and take a virtual tour of the ship, The Legend. My stage usually is the Casino Stage, where I have YET to perform House of the Rising Sun, chuckle. Don't forget to download my musics over to the left magazine, the tunes are free, and are from various cds, including some flutings and some other types of original musics. Thanks to my webmaster Doug Klein, we have this site to share with you.

08/08/2009
Wednesday we ported into Puerto Vallarta. I took a trip with cooper, show band sax player, and we caught one bus into old towne Vallarta and there connected to another bus to Tuito, Mexico, about a 44 km ride, about an hour. After arriving we walked about the town, with its Adobe look and small homes and peaceful happy residents. Catching a lunch at a cafe, and then returning via bus to Puerto Vallarta after visiting the square in Tuito, we caught a jazz group playing in the courtyard, which went perfect with setting sun and the breathtaking views we had seen in the mountain ranges to and from Tuito. All in all it was a great experience for about 13 bucks. A nice taste of the area away from the tourists. I have one more week to do this on this contract, then some time off for editing my first book entitled 'Road Stories'.

07/23/2009
Sailing along Mexico's Gold Coast in the gentle waters between Baja and the mainland, with Venus and Jupiter commanding the sky, I was privileged to see and watch for thirty minutes a lightening storm paint the horizon and entice the eye, reflecting off calm seas and awakening the imagination in the pre dawn hours this day. Land was never visible, nor obstructions to the horizon's visual edge, and the heat lightening and the bolts was just archaic and powerful beyond. One thought I had was one day the waters will part and heaven open, and mankind will see Jesus and all the prophets coming.

07/21/2009
As we are sailing into mexican waters along the Baja, we see the ocean is alive.seals migrating northward, pods of small dolphins , rays entertain the eye along with blue mahi,and flying fish scurry away from the ship , marlin and shark run parallel to the vessel hunting for what flees. A few whale have been seen, and the ocassional "what is that" grabs attention. The waters are alive with more than the imagination can design.

07/04/2009
Mexico was glad to see us after being away so long because of the flu contagion. Puerta Vallarta, Cabos San Lucas, and Mazatlan greeted the happy guests with great food sites, beaches. and lovely weather which was even hot enough to melt ear wax. As we sail back to port in Long Beach we have smiling faces on the guests and good memories.

05/22/2009
Victoria Canada turned out to be a beautifully peaceful port. Taking the bus deep into downtown and walking for miles, meeting people, seeing them work in their yards, talking, shopping at a music store, asking directions, the general feel was awesome, the scenery just beautiful, a rural feel to the town and nice waterfront views. Vancouver is a picture postcard. When leaving the ship it had mountains by the bay with snow capped peaks, seaplanes landing among sailboats and other watercraft. Stanley Park with its totems, gas town with its steam clock, walked for a few miles, had a sandwich atop a restaurant. Quite a heavily populated town. Funny, I searched the rack for a few special postcards, the Chinese clerk wouldn't sell three when price was four for a dollar, nor one when price was two for ninety-nine cents, so I ended up buying none. Was a bit ridiculous but funny at same time. Had a wine, watched the tourists, left the tourists' area and walked around where the civil services were, police station, etc. Vancouver has a very heavy homeless problem. As it is, people that have problems have needs, despite their reasons. The view is breathtaking, the general population nice, it is the world.

05/20/2009
Rain and hail greeted us upon arriving into Astoria Oregon, but still folks regrouped and had good walkabouts. Today we tried to port into Victoria Canada and the seas weren't friendly, currents and wind conditions prevented the first docking, so after tides changed and we spent another hour and half out at sea we returned to retry docking safely. Weather is partly cloudy, and a flowering beautiful seaport town awaits us to visit and have coffees and walks and shops to add to our memories. We are remaining here until midnight, giving amble time for our guests to explore a safe and inviting environment.

05/19/2009
Chasing a light rain into Astoria, Oregon...about 50 miles northwest of Portland, we port today and get to see a bit of the small town before heading into Victoria Canada on the way to Vancouver. The flowers are bloomed out in Victoria despite the slow spring and chilly weather, around 50 degrees F. Victoria is a neat package, nice waterfront activities and cafes, while Vancouver is a power city with a million people and enough concrete and steel for them all. This will be the first time we have ported into Astoria and shall do it weekly until around June 21. I'll tell you more about it tomorrow.

05/16/2009
How reassurring to read the yahoo green blogs concerning the cfl lightbulbs. People aren't as uninformed as we sometimes think. They are responding and resisting the idea of being sold under the banner of a green itrem and see the threat and reality of CFL's and the mercury threat they contain. Also the failure to live up to their longlife claims. It is clear the bulbs are an economic sell out and what is worse is they will present a threat to our water tables in the years to come. In fact, they are containers for mercury, and thats the bottom real line. Every now and then when I wonder if we as a people are aware, some thirteen year old young man will walk by my stage and say."That's a Bob Dylan song written in 1965", and I will smile and know there is hope in information being passed along and received.

04/09/2009
Today we have ported into Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Two vessels, adding approx. 8000 people to the population. It is a beautiful town. Cobblestone and rough streets, adobe and other such buildings, shops side by sideE, Kinda quaint yet bustling. mountains in background. the movie Predator was filmed here as well as other movies. is not a small place, many streets walkable and shops and restaurants and cigar shops and tourist type places, waterfront and yachts.today was a good day, tomorrow shall be also.

03/20/2009
Vacation in memphis was great...I got to visit with my mom extensively, lots of laughs and memories and gained a few pounds. At Neil's, I played bass behind Bobby Lawson...if you're in memphis and like blues go to neil's the first and third thursday nights. I also sat in at a hoot at a downtown bar. Now vacation is over, and I'm aboard The Splendor, which is adjusting soon to her seven day schedule doing the western Mexico ports. Before that we will have John Mayer and entourage courtesy of sixthman productions for four days. The Splendor is a beautiful vessel, the newest a sail for Carnival right now, until the M/S Dream is launched. We have currently 2000 happy guests that have been aboard 49 days, and we are completing an 18 day cruise from Santiago Chile tomorrow at San Francisco Port. Enjoyed the time off, and am looking forward to cruising with our wonderful guests. Tonight I will perform in the cigar bar, kind of an English pub atmosphere for smokers, and Friday in the Atrium.Be sure to check out my tunes over on the left , all are free, and with only two or three exceptions , are authored by me

01/16/2009
I urge you to become aware and actively protesting the use of Energy Saving Light Bulbs being sold by such companies as GE. In England these bulbs are being distributed free. The design is auspiciously to save energy, BUT the bulbs contain 300 times the lethal amount of mercury. They are said to last 5 years, at which time proper disposal is recommended. I seriously doubt if the everyday common man is going to properly dispose of them, and there is a likely possibility that our ground water will receive the contamination from these bulbs. I also suspect the real reason for these bulbs is because of western economic ties to China where they are made. Go read the label in a store shelf, visit their website, think how poorly people recycle. Hell, in some states garbage is still stacked in dirt pits and buried with no liner to prevent ground water contamination. These mercury bulbs are not a wise decision. Better filament bulbs would work just fine.

01/16/2009
We arrived into Nassau bahamas early this morning. It's a cloudy windy day, another ship is also just pulling in. Everyone wants to get ashore, last two stops have been beautiful, today is a different sort of Carribean day. Tonight my final five hours of performing for this contract. The audiences have been good this cruise, good participation, autographs, regular fans returning to the bar nightly, etc., so i've enjoyed this last cruise before I go to memphis for vacation.I'm thankful for the privilege to do what I do, it feels right and still feels like a growing , learning situation, still a challenge to meet....may tommorrow find you appreciating the day also.....later

01/10/2009
What a nice way to end this series of cruises. We have Lynyrd Skynyrd under the auspices of Sixthman Productions, along with Molly Hatchet, 38 Special, and a host of other bands and trios. I actually get to jam tonight with a few and, hopefully, more tommorrow. We also have The Marshall Tucker Band. Before these guys came I, being the only longhair dude aboard, well, things were a bit lonely for me. Now, with these guys and their fans, 4200 of them, people(crew) talk to me and sit with me that didnt use to, If that makes sense, they may have not known how to approach me because their culture does not usually have such longhairs I guess. Everywhere you turn these harley shirts, long haired men, and tatooed women, Though the later has never been my preference. I'm not into women that smoke or are tatted, Hahhaaha, Guess we all have our preferences, huh? Guess that's ok too, either way. So the 17th I'll be signing off for a couple months. Will be good to land and walk among the trees.

12/16/2008
Often people have asked me of my native american ancestry.It derives from the Cherokee nation.Myrtle Beatrice Simmons gave birth to my great grandfather. Myrtle was full Cherokee. My great Grandfather was James Anderson Durham, and he fathered my grandmother Haille Durham, who birthed my father .This doesn't make me "indian", to me it makes me a man with ancestory mixed as many have in their family trees, walking beneath this sky on this earth. To me, by definition, to be "native", you are either Lakota, or Lakota -Cheyanne, or Seminole and Inuit or Iroquois,- not "indian", and if you aren't of one of the Nations, then you are like I am, of mixed heritage. So many euro-mixed persons living here are ashamed to be themselves, lacking connection, and deriving some identity with what they really don't even know nor follow in truth or spirit, standing the wrong ground and feeding the wrong beast. How can one pretend to be "NDN" -as some whites like to use the phrase- following bits and pieces of what they rob from native spirituality, when they aren't living the walk? If you are Lakota, then walk Lakota......toasta key(chuckle)

12/05/2008
Sequat came from the waters, a reed gatherer, where his people made from the reeds baskets and fans and utensils. Seeking new trade, he entered the village of the people of Whemathe, whom he met. Whemathe's people were farmers of earth, and seeing the baskets of Sequat's people, trade was desired and agreements transpired. Whemathe spent much time with Sequat, showing him his lands, mostly, though, bragging.
For it seemed no matter what Sequat mentioned, Whemathe knew more, his people had done it greater. Whemathe was narcissistic; everything was about him, and he loved to brag and even lie.
One day Sequat and Whemathe came to a place in the river unknown to both, and there was a bridge across to an island. The island had such beauty, peaceful grasslands and beach and shade and fruit trees. They decided to cross over. Upon reaching the bridge, though, a guardian stood. "This place is the place of peace", spoke the guardian, "and you Sequat are welcome, but Whemathe cannot cross." Whemathe was hurt and at first angry, full of venom with his anger. He fed the wrong beast inside, and sought to harm the guardian, which was a mistake. However, Sequat urged no harm to Whemathe, explaining to the guardian that Whemathe's ears were hot from the coals of reproof. The guardian agreed and bound Whemathe with the ties of truth, saying until Whemathe confessed his errors and sought to feed the right beast inside, he could not cross yet, and would wander a braggard and deceiver yielding fruits of such narcissism and would be alienated from the crossover.
Sequat went to the other side, but he still awaits for Whemathe to humble himself to this day.

11/16/2008
Today we are in rough seas, pounding viciously at times. They just announced they closing the water tight doors on decks A B and C. No matter the size of a ship, be it even 5 miles long, it is nothing compared to the vastness of the oceans. We have actor Rick Springfield aboard with other soap stars and his band and John Waite performing and giving his fans the close pleasure of proximity. John had the hit, Im Not Missing You, in the 80s.It's been a happy cruise for all, tho this day the sea is a bit discomforting to many, new meaning to rock and roll. Hope all are well ashorre wherever your life has you. We expect to port into Miami in the morning. All had fun in Cozumel and Key West this trip out.Had ocassion to handle some nurse sharks. Their skin so to speak is very rough, in fact there was a time that sharks were hunted for the using of them for a kinda sandpaper. When they eat, they have enormous suction which captures their prey with lightening speed, using the teeth only if they have to to hold their prey, it's the suction that grabs the food. Bu t enough of that, very few sharks live on land, I bet less than a few million.......

8/29/2008
We dodged the hurricane, and at 5 am this morning ported at a slip of an island, only 13 people living there, beautiful beach and waterfowl lagoon , a half moon shape cove. I had breakfast with a russian woman, her beautiful face like the moon and blonde hair and high cheeks, so atypical, so lovely. Funny how we think of things as per our last exposure, whether it be tv or book or whatever. Moscow has 25 million people now, many have more than one vehicle, parking a huge problem...far cry from the days of one gray car per 10 people huh? The serbians are playing poker in the bar, have been all night, telling jokes and laughing. Peace should be world wide forever, people can get along from different nations rather easily...these shifting sands sort out I guess. Many times my music I'm playing is being heard by people that do not speak english....I also find that people don't want you to "stand down" so to speak and try to be their culture, they want you to be YOUR culture.

6/22/2008
Sometime this morning, it's around 5 am, I had the privilege of being on deck alone and fluting for a good 15 minutes inspired, and felt I had done something no one else had probably ever done out here on these seas some 200 NM or more from Miami or any land. I don't know that, though, if someone had ever before done this. So many songs sung, prayers spoken, tears cried in joy and sorrow, last words spoken unheard, sights seen and never told, that no man other than those there ever know of.........howbeit our small lives are not overlooked, we are convented by promise in that we have loved the Son, and the Father therefore holds and loves us, nuturing us in growth, and never ever forsaking us to the powers of darknes nor to the errors of our own weakness to be bound.....all this I see shall pass away, and become new in Creation plan....nothing hidden shall remain unseen by Father...all these false prophets who proclaim they love God and spill the blood of men in their selfish efforts of power and deception shall not walk away as tho nothing was done.

6/22/2008
As you may notice, the Seagull logo to the right of the banner above links you to the website for Godin Guitars. Look around at their instruments, They craft good guitars in a variety of styles. Currently, I use a Seagull model S12 Cedar Top Acoustic/Electric 12 I've had since 1990, Also, newly added through endorsement with Seagull I use an ARTIST Seagull 12 Sunburst Acoustic/Electric, and an ARTIST Seagull Cutaway Acoustic/Electric six string. The 12 features the I-Beam electronics and the six uses the Godin electronics. These are excellent instruments well worth the investment. Godin has devised a great carrying case weighing only two and a half pounds which straps on like a gig bag, or you can carry it via the handle,and it is thermal insulated to keep temperature and humidity consistent, so it is like a hardshell in the form of a gig bag.

6/7/2008
Such beauty in the skies, at night..no lights around, no mosquitoes, very little sound, just water and jewels for your eyes. Sat out way past midnight, thoughts drifting, watching the skies, counting falling stars, wondering what men long long ago might have thought about the stars and creation. Know the bible mentions how the sphere of the earth was hung in the heavens, they didnt ALL believe world was flat........the unknowns in crossing the seas took brave people,no matter where they came from to go....out in the distances of life, stepping out on faith to try .....we never know tommorrow, but we NEVER knew even when we thought we might have....it is the same God today that was your Keeper when you were but a child.....

5/21/2008
It is early Wednesday.5/21....sunrise is to be at 6:04 am at this location, so I stood at the bow with moon full on my right and lavendar enveloping blue all around, the Turks looming ahead about 10 nautical miles, gentle winds in a waving sea, catching the sunrise to my left...clouds are low, sailing past us with wind in their sails...no one is on bow with me, behind me the bridge is active as we are approaching to dock, in the distance the light signals port. I imagine how it was for the British to man this island and claim it against all comers...way out here in nowhere. But that thought is fleeting...what I take comfort in most is, God has made the sunrise rise another day. As sure as He has set that in motion, so also will He tend to our spiritual growth and needs and hopes to be fruitful in our walk .....

4/27/2008
It's 5:30 am, I arose early to get to see the sky at night, and hope to greet the sunrise. Over to the port is Cuba, about 2 miles away, Havana sits under the moon and ocean waves break on its shores. As I look and see a glimpse of how large yet how small the world is, I see how much we have in common as people. I think of how life, human life, should be most important. In these waters now men were slain for leaving their country to seek improvement. On board now is a man that made his way with three others via row boat when he was 16. I also think how brave were those many hundreds of years ago who sailed across this vast unknown with no lights but the skies. It is awesome and humbling. Human life is most valuable, peoples father more peoples, generations become. Our breath and dreams become our childrens' realities. Thank you Jesus for laying your life down for people that come to know you and drink of your waterspirit. Thanks for all men who gave that their children and people might live, from the warriors of Wounded Knee to the soldiers of all nations....if only governments reflected the values of the people. and if only the people would seek the things of the spirit more.....

4/26/2008
A beautiful friday, the 25th. We docked into Nassau. Pianist Luis and I walked thru Nassau for hours, just absolutly no hassle from anyone, no street hustlers, none of that feeding on the tourist thing. Tonight after returning to ship I had the pleasure of mark unger from Pennsylvania joining me on stage with his harps. Was fun. It's indescribable the color of the ocean and sky, Nassau port is awesome. From the bridge we could see huge fish down in the water, we were like 60 feet up, these fish were five-eight feet long looking from up there, must have been bigger. water so clear. Now we are heading into Miami and should dock early saturday morning around 7 am.All I can say is "wish you were here too".I did take pictures of the Ruins at Tulum, and should have them back tommorrow, then I will forward to webmaster and to Bob Roy to share out, as I can't from here.

4/19/2008
This morning we pulled into Key West. I got up before sunrise and watched the ship manuver the channel and enter the harbor and dock, was awesomely nice...

4/11/2008
Today we are headed toward Miami florida, and will arrive saturday the 12th....I'm looking forward to getting into Miami after I finish performing for the disembarking, I'll sorta be the comic relief, hahah, well, the stress relief, a little guitar and soft native flute music while people wait for clearance thru customs .......it's a lot to move 2300 + or - , takes time, so usually I perform for about one and half hours beginning at 8:30, all depending...if things get real desperate I'll try to sing that early, usually THAT even speeds up customs (ha) this cruise we covered Nassau, Half Moon Cat and will pick up Saturday to leave for Ocho Rios and Key West, a short three day excursion........then we head for Cozumel Mexico, and there I will participate in a tour group seeing Mayan ruins a few hours inland. Fortunately a new guitarist from Denver Colorado arrived, and he and I will get to spend time jamming in between the theatre orchestrations, which he is a member of that .I've missed jamming, and look forward.....Catch ya next blog...

3/27/2008
Hi folks! Thanks for visiting the site! The news I have is that for the next several months I'll be out of the USA, and, thus, can't fulfill cd orders, so we are going digital. You can stil find my tunes here as digital downloads.  Enjoy looking around and listening!

3/1/2007
So, I was playing in Tunica, Mississippi. a couple summers ago at an outdoor event which also offered a large tip jar. As I was performing, one young child about 5-6 years old was given a dollar by his mom and told to go put it into the jar. He was approaching rather apprehensively, hesitated and turned back toward mom. She waved her hand , said "Go on, put it in". Caught my attention . He stopped after a few more steps, turned again to mom, said.."what's gonna happen?" Mother said "Ain't nothing gonna happen...go on and put the money into the jar." Well, that was all it took. He stopped totally, looked at me and the jar, turned back to mom and said: "If nothing ain't gonna happen, I'd rather just keep the money." I had to totally stop playing and laugh. Ha! Sometimes life has truths that are so refreshing, and so unexpected. We all enjoyed that moment together, his mom, me, and the others who were around when it transpired.