Mark's Blog

Here’s a clip of another one of my musician friends. He’s another American from New York working on the ship. This guy rocks the piano bar bar every night. Here’s a link to his facebook profile if you want to learn more about him: David Ross

Here’s a clip of an awesome band from the Philippines called Music Power. In this clip one of the guest plays the guitar and sings with the band outside on the open deck during the deck party.

A few weeks ago, I shot a short clip of one of musician friends on the ship right before he went home. What’s crazy is that when I first met him I found out that he lives in the same city as me, San Diego. What’s even more crazy is that he literally lives right down the street from where I live. Here’s a clip in the casino with Craig singing “Sweet Home Alabama.”

If you ever get a chance to go to Key West, Schooners Warf is one of the best locals bar to visit. Here’s a clip of Michael McCloud a musician who frequently plays there. In this clip McCloud sings about a woman who used to work at the bar who had a huge butt. The title of the song, “She Got a Butt.”

Here are a few photos of my day trip to New Orleans. The history in this city is amazing. In the morning I had the chance to visit a slave plantation dating back to the late 1700’s. It’s hard to imagine that slaves once lived here.

Later on during the day, I took a visit to a cemetery. Now why would I do such a thing. Well New Orleans is well known for their cemeteries. A majority of the city lies below sea level so all of the grave sites are build above ground in these elegantly crafted tombs above the ground.

After that, I took a trip to the French Quarters. A quick word of warning, I wouldn’t recommend driving there. The place is not very friendly for cars. But any ways, the music scene was simply breath taking. The whole area was full of life. Everywhere you go there would be musicians playing on the street and believe it or not they were very good, unlike the mediocre talent seen in L.A. Here our a few videos I filmed that really captures the atmosphere in the French Quarters.

To end my day, I went back to the French Quarters later on to check out the nightlife. Like during the day, the nightlife was teeming with energy. Unfortunately my battery on my camera died so I was unable to take any pictures. But just to describe it, New Orleans is very laid back on the laws compared to California. There were people performing impromptu fire shows on the corner street. People were allowed to drink alcohol in the street which is completely unheard of L.A. I checked out this Reggae Bar and I was overwhelmed by the amount of energy it emitted. The musicians were great. The crowd was full of life. It was all a pleasure to experience.

When I think of one phrase that best describes life in the French Quarters, the famous Greek quote immediately comes to mind, “Carpe Diem.” The whole essence of New Orleans captures this philosophy to the fullest.