With the 2025 edition of Jam Cruise looming, the folks behind the highly-regarded floating festival have done the due diligence of tacking on the event's annual pre-party, unveiling details about the act that will assist in striking the program's tone for six days at sea. Returning to the Miami Beach Bandshell, the official Jam Cruise 21 Pre-Party is scheduled for Feb. 13 and will feature music from Lettuce, who will return to the historic venue for the first time in two years.
The Jam Cruise Pre-Party arrives ahead of the MSC Divina's departure. After setting sail from Port Miami on Valentine's Day, Friday, Feb. 14, the traditional sail away toast will come before a musical performance from Karl Denson's Tiny Universe on the Pool Deck. Entertainment will continue to flow through the night with sets occurring from 10:30 p.m. through 12 a.m., featuring STS9 and later, Pink Talking Fish.
Day two, Saturday, Feb. 15, picks up with a packed schedule day of music, including an extensive lineup slated to take the stage on the Pool Deck: Hot Buttered Rum, Polyrhythmics, ALO, The Nth Power, Snarky Puppy, Andy Frasco & the U.N., and Dogs in a Pile. At the same time, Pantheon sets will come from lespecial, STS9, and MarchForth. Meanwhile, in the Black & White Lounge, folks can experience Midlife, BERTHA: Grateful Drag and Geroge Porter Jr., amongst others.
Sunday, Feb. 16, is a port day in Cozumel, Mexico, before music resumes at 6 p.m. on the Pool Deck with a set from Dragon Smoke, followed by Summer Zen, Galactic, and Pre-Party hosts Lettuce. The Prince/Bowie tribute set will occur in the Pantheon and features an amalgamated lineup comprised of select members from The Horn Section, Cool Cool Cool, Pink Talking Fish, Twiddle, lespecial and Dumpstaphunk.
On Monday, Feb. 17, we will see secondary sets from many performers and newcomers, such as LP Giobbi, who will present her Dead House set. On the final day of Jam Cruise 21, Tuesday, Feb. 18, one final Vote to the Boat set is slated to happen, as well as more music, including The Nth Power present Earth Wind and Fire, Allie Kral's Pickin' Lounge, Lebo's annual Garden Pool set and more. Scroll down for a complete list of what's to come.
The Jam Cruise 21 Pre-Party is open to the general public and folks signed up for the impending voyage. A limited allotment of discounted tickets is available to Jam Cruisers. If you are attending Jam Cruise 21, check your email for more info on how to purchase tickets.