Who Says You Can’t Live Loud at Home?

2020: It was the year with schedules chock-full of festivals, concerts, and themed music cruises – for many, it was shaping up to be the best year yet. Then, in a matter of weeks our schedules were wiped clean, going out attire was swapped for sweats, and the closest thing to live music was clicking through your favorite Spotify playlist from the couch.

When you work at Sixthman, a typical year is filled with over 40,000 fans, about 450 bands, and countless magical weeks at sea and on land. I have to admit, the idea of an empty calendar was a little bit jarring, but, if I’ve learned anything working at Sixthman, it’s that this team is full of innovators.

To no one’s surprise, it didn’t take many Zoom calls, or long hours of brainstorming for the ideas to start flowing.  Truthfully, there wasn’t even a conversation that included “now what?” Instead, a team of people who missed live music got a little creative, and within a week the calendar was full of Mi Casa, Su Casa sessions – live mini-concerts streamed from the artists home straight to your living room, car, backyard or anywhere in between! It was the first step in connecting bands and fans while everyone was still at home.  

Five months and over 100 Mi Casa, Su Casa Sessions later, we were quickly approaching our first postponed sail away date. August 14th would have been the day we set sail out of Barcelona, Spain on Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean II, and though we couldn’t be on board together, we knew just the thing to celebrate these days! We kicked off the week with a virtual show from Joe Bonamassa and special guest Peter Frampton, complete with a Sixthman tradition – our ship wide Sail Away toast. The week’s second show included video performances from artists on the lineup like Walter Trout, Marc Broussard, The Suffers and more!

I’ll be the first to admit, nothing beats live music. There is no better feeling than a room full of friends supporting an artist you love. Since we have to make the most of it, I guess enjoying a few dozen shows from home, in your favorite pajamas, with an open bar will do for now. Don’t worry, we’ll be back together on land and at sea before you know it! But until then, you can look forward to virtual concerts, the Sixthman community you know and love, and a few surprises along the way - all from the comfort of your home!  Afterall, who says that you can’t Live Loud at home?

From our couch to yours,
-Victoria Newman

Joe bonamassa + Peter frampton playing an unreal collaboration!

MarC broussard delivering an amazing performance on the Keeping the blues alive at sea virtual experience

A sail away toast from our very own Sixthman Lauraine and bobblehead Joe