Welcome to thebloozyblog's first post: An Open Letter to Roger Naber

Shortly after I returned from the October 2007 Pacific Blues Cruise, my appreciation had to blurble itself out. Here's what I posted Oct 23, 2007 on Cruiser Chat...and Roger's eloquent reply. Dear Roger Naber: All I know is this: If you’re throwing a party, I hope to be among the revelers. After six Legendary cruises, it remains a mystery to me how you manage to be so blithely in control while the rest of us are so blitheringly not. Once we set foot on the Pool Deck for Sail Away, we are yours for the week. For those of us who feel like lifers, we are yours for the ages. Take us where you wish, entertain us as you desire; we’re high on Cloud Nine on the high seas. Tell ‘em to save the engines -- we’ll generate the juice to power that Dam ship. I've tried to share the breadth and depth of my gratitude with you from time to time, but all I seem to manage is a fehrklempt little mumbling of, “Thank you, Roger…for everything.” Well, fact is, that doesn’t cover a nanoprick’s worth of the appreciation and awe I feel for you and your finely tuned troupers. You amass an amalgam of talent so real and so rare that it’s like experiencing Yosemite for the first time every time. You raise the bar on raising our spirit. You are the chieftain and we are your tribe. Thank you, Roger…for everything. From Roger, posted in the wee hours of Oct 24, 2007 Renee: Thank you so much for your kind words. After 3 days to recover following your 6th cruise, you're gushing more now than ever. You must have had your BEST cruise ever being the recipient of the highly contested (Least Sleep Award). I do a lot of wrestling with myself to get the lineup that I think will rise to the cruisers expectations from year to year. There are also a lot of worthy bands and musicians who have yet to play on the ship, many whom are my friends that have performed for me through the years at my former club, the Grand Emporium. Yes, it's true that the cruise is "all about the music", and there are a lot of additional layers that we have added to the event. So I am fortunate to have an Impeccable Team of fun hard working partners, employees and event staff. The stage crews and engineers come back year after year with tireless energy to operate the venues from 12 to 16 hours a day to keep the music playing for all of us. Julia has come up with a lot of creative ideas, expanding on the Silent Auctions, the Culinary Demos and has helped with creating the Backbone Of The Blues and the Street Team. Scott is our quiet "Cruise Director" who executes much of the onboard activities. He creates many of the fun extras around the ship as well as the informative email blasts advertising ideas and our web site. The Travel and Customer Service Office of Tracy, LeAnne and Cathy keep all of the musicians and cruisers comfortable and informed of any cabin opportunities and travel concerns. They also work tirelessly to support the event in many ways you aren't aware of. Nanner keeps the task of the Project Plan on track that allows the onboard staff to realize their shifts that makes this seem effortlessly. Our ship agent Leon works weekly with Holland throughout the year to ensure our needs are followed up on with the onboard crew as well as supplying us with more knowledge of how the ships officers think and operate. Being a musician himself, he has a strong passion for our event which often drives him to go beyond the call of duty for LRBC. Sharolyn, Paula, Tom and Mardi all keep the bands happy onboard with their specific needs, which keeps the groove of the music smooth and upbeat. Our terrific partners offer great advice and valuable assistance whenever asked. The Awards Party and Virgin Party are hosted by Geoff and Judy who have a blast with our onboard activities. Yes, I'm the visionary and the promoter of record, but this fabulous cruise isn't just about me and my event which keeps you all immersed in a week of Bluesin' bliss. It's the entire devoted LRBC Team that keeps our Mojo Workin' as well as you GREAT BLUES FANS who have the passion to come back as often as you are able to. January promises to be yet another cruise that may just be better than the one we just came off of. Practically everyone was giving testimonials about a LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE or how this cruise was the BEST YET. Less than 3 months until the next one and I can't hardly wait myself! Enuff said for now...