Featured Artist - 2019 Australia - Dave Koz & Friends at Sea

Jazmin Ghent

By Athelda R. Ensley,

Collages, LLC

For cruisers experienced with Dave Koz & Friends at Sea, the addition of Jazmin Ghent to the 2019 line-up on Holland America’s Ms. Noordam was a superb idea. This national and now international jazz recording artist brought her own unique vibe to both voyages. She also enhanced the musical experience by complimenting the excellence that is commonly associated with this annual cruise.

Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Jazmin now lives and works in Central Florida. She is no stranger when it comes to applying her talents in the most creative of ways. Working as an elementary music teacher provides her with her share of ingenuity and resilience. This can be seen and heard through the artistry she demonstrates, playing her saxophone.

Tailoring Your Own Sound

Welcoming to admiring passengers onboard, Ghent showcased many of the qualities that make her stand out and right at home with every caliber musician. She has found the way to tailor a sound that connects to her name. Those who listened to Jazmin’s first album Boss, released in 2015 quickly became fans. It was easy to determine that this was a skilled and talented sax player no matter her age.

Harmonizing with Other Musicians

Dave Koz Cruises are an example of a well-oiled and memorable machine. They are designed to provide passengers with continual music at dynamic onboard venues. Each performance showcases the skills of diverse musicians, many of which are award-winning recipients. Ghent with her celebrated The Story of Jaz album joined this prestigious club of artists on the 2019 cruise.

Being Recognized

Artists, including the likes of Gerald Albright, Peter White, Marcus Anderson, and Richard Elliott were all on this adventure Down Under. Already recognized in 2017 as the Smooth Jazz Network’s Best New Artist, Ghent received the 2019 NAACP’s Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album, The Story of Jaz. She received this honor while performing on the cruise in Australia this year.

Her career and talent will continue to bring attention Jazmin’s way. One thing’s for sure, cruisers are hoping to see her next year on the Dave Koz & Friends at Sea’s 2020 Amsterdam & the British Isles Cruise.

My Journey to 50 - Keep Exploring

I don’t know about other people, but I’ve become more adventurous as I age. When the kids were little the Speed of Life was the battle in more than one way. Now it’s time to explore in different ways than before.

Travel is definitely one of our favorite things. Seeing the world in a unique way and through the eyes of others is fulfilling. In My Journey to 50, I’ll keep moving with my hubby to explore the world…near and far.

Exploration in my mind isn’t limited to one thing like travel. Adopting our vegan lifestyle is an example in this category. Doing things that help you to improve your quality of life and spark inspiration are important, no matter what your age.

Right now, I’m exploring how to use my writing in even more creative ways…

Consider a Hobby

Having a hobby can provide you with many benefits. There are emotional, physical, and spiritual benefits related to hobbies. It doesn’t matter, whether you learn to play a musical instrument or are an avid reader. Your hobby can help you to be a well-rounded person. Many people have found that their hobbies are useful for relieving stress.

People struggling with various problems can enjoy the benefits of hobbies. Choosing the right hobby is important. You can choose one that interests you or one that help you to achieve a specific goal. Doing a bit of research before settling on a hobby is wise. Just like your profession, a hobby requires investment. This is true whether we are talking about time or money. Your commitment level will affect the benefits that you enjoy from your hobby.

A way to relax
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to learn to relax. Many hobbies are considered to be relaxing. Jogging, woodworking, and painting all fit into this category. These are extremely useful hobbies to people with demanding careers.

Achieving a goal
Some hobbies are also goals for many people. Learning to fly an airplane is an example of this sort of hobby. Not every pilot is interested in flying as a profession. Simply embarking on and achieving this goal is important to enthusiasts.

Expand horizons
You may select a hobby that will expand your horizons. Learning to speak a different language is an example here. Although this may be your hobby, it can also be beneficial to the work that you do.