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.

Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – The Music Plays On

If I had to find a phrase to describe these unique cruises it would be continual music. It doesn’t matter whether you are asleep in your cabin or on deck for a stroll. There is jazz being played everywhere on the ship from sunrise to sunset. What more could fans from countries around the globe ask for when they truly love the music?

Departing from Helsinki brings a bit of sadness to us, travelers because we know the end is coming. There’s one more full-day at sea and then back to Copenhagen. For the majority of us, we will be heading to the airport and home. So I normally take this time to finish up my notes, make some important observations, and enjoy the last two days apart from the Speed of Life.

Each cruise we’ve gotten the chance to meet people we would not have encountered in the states. That in itself is amazing to think about. We’ve adopted travel parents, brothers, sisters, and friends on these journeys. Maybe this is why so many of the jazz fans and cruisers keep coming each year. It’s difficult to say goodbye but we know the music will play on until we see each other again.

#Rick Braun #Marcus Anderson

Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – Helsinki Modern Diversity

A Little Romance

Just like the cruises themselves, we as a couple tend to pack a lot into international travels. These trips ironically due to DK’s planning often take place around our anniversary. We’ve managed to celebrate more than one of these milestones as we’ve seen the world. It’s always nice to fit a little romance in while at work and on vacation.

I’m glad to have a husband that understands that my writing work travels with me wherever I go. Fortunately for me, his creativity kicks in on these trips and we both get to work and play. While in Helsinki we got the chance to combine our love for jazz with exploring the city. Rick Braun, Aubrey Logan, the UK Collective, and Rick Marcel provided exceptional onboard entertainment.

The city offered its own inspiration for romantic experiences. In our downtime, we found a terrific café for coffee and dessert. On the tour, we’d learned a lot about the delicious chocolates that locals enjoy. Including these with our treats was a definite no-brainer. Sitting outside and watching the world go by together…is my definition of romance!

Foodie Blubs from Waikiki, HI

Kona Coffee Purveyors

2330 Kalakaua Ave #160, 

International Marketplace, Honolulu, HI 96815

As you know, I’m a sucker when it comes to the smell of a good cup of coffee. The smell coming from Kona Coffee Purveyors hooked me immediately. I already knew an authentic macchiato was coming my way. This unique spot is known as an artisan location to get Kona coffee and espresso beverages. It is also a patisserie that offers guests amazing baked goods.

My hubby gravitated towards the Pineapple Coconut Croissant which also included tasty almond slivers. This was a delectable treat when paired with a Mocha Latte. I was a bit braver and tried the Cauliflower, Cheese, and Cayenne Scone with my macchiato. The baked goods were not only unique but well-worth a second visit the next morning.

Speed of Life Stops!

Highlights from Hawaii - Foodie Dreams

Eggs ‘n Things

2464 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu

I am not normally a breakfast eater! I know, I know about the most important meal stuff and I agree, it just not my thing. This time around though, I am in Hawaii, it’s a beautiful morning, and apparently SPAM and eggs are somethings that I simply MUST try while here.

The long line of hungry people waiting told me a couple of things. One of which was that this meal would definitely be worth the wait. The efficient drill here is to pick out what you want before you get your table, pay first, and within a few minutes the meal is ready.

I opted for the Minced Egg Scramble with green onion, SPAM, and cheddar cheese. This came with a side of the largest buttermilk pancakes I’ve seen. There were 3 syrups to choose from, maple, coconut, and papaya. Let’s just say I made delicious choices all around. Yum!



Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – Another Surprising Connection

A big part of this European trip included research for my writing, both before we traveled and after we set sail. Reading about Tallinn was interesting and got me excited for the trip. Actually arriving in the city and seeing it with my own eyes was another thing altogether. I thought that I knew what the experience was going to be but it truly was so much more.

Walking the cobblestone streets and seeing the gothic influence in the buildings was amazing. These mixed in with modern structures and businesses harmonized with so many of the other cities in this part of the world. As usual we took a hop-on hop-off bus tour to see the things that we’d read about.

St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Tallinn TV Tower, Toompea Castle, and many other attractions were on our list. These were a part of the things that were expected. We had no idea that on one of our tour buses would be a familiar face. The world is definitely large but it would seem that it’s small at the same time.

An elementary teacher of my husband’s was there on the bus with us. A conversation about states and travel brought this truth about. How awesome and humbling to go around the world only to find another surprising connection. The Speed of Life is absolutely a real thing that makes its way back around.

It was inspiring, as well to see this woman not letting age or anything else keep her from what she loves. Travel and jazz are included among these things. Swirling around our conversation was the anticipation of Richard Elliot, a featured headliner for the main performance.

Chronicling Europe 2018 – My Views of Stockholm

Even though these are vacations for me they are also working trips. I find time each day to write and chronicle my impressions of each destination and port of call. There is always a lot to see and do but actually putting these things into words is the best way for me to experience them.

It doesn’t matter whether I’m travel writing for a client, researching an article, or taking notes for other work utilizing my own views is key. Stockholm really had a lot to offer me not simply as a tourist but as a family member. Getting the opportunity to see the city through the eyes of actual residents changes things a bit.

There were attractions that we certainly would have missed without this connection. One example in this category was the tasty espresso I got from a quaint little Italian café. It was nestled in a building along a narrow street lined with original brickwork from centuries past.

Children going on field trips and business people dining for lunch were sprinkled throughout the areas we visited. Words are so important because they paint a vivid picture. These can be used to create a masterpiece that is both colorful and impactful!

The Speed of Life moves on…Mindi Abair and her Grammy-winning talent were the show for the night.



Chronicling Europe 2018 – Embracing Stockholm

All of the locals that we met along the journey confirmed that the weather was unseasonably warm. I’d thought that heavy clothing would be necessary throughout the entire Baltics Cruise with Dave Koz and Friends at Sea. The sun was a staple as we arrived at Stockholm, Sweden.

The previous night’s main show included our host and special guest Kenny Lattimore in concert. Late nights and jazz in every venue on board couldn’t keep us away from this beautiful city. As usual our hop on-and-off tours allow us to visit historic parts of the city, as well as, those that were filled with business and cosmopolitan life.

The lack of hustle and bustle on the early morning roadways, struck me as different from the typical sights at home during this time of day. Stockholm Palace and City Hall were definitely two landmarks that showcase the brilliance of the past.

Excursions that included the Swedish Opera House, the City Centre, and other popular locations were high on the list of many of our fellow cruisers. Sampling regional and national cuisine is always on my personal list of must-do activities.

Lunch time in the park displayed workers from all backgrounds relaxing and embracing the gorgeous city of Stockholm. There were no Speed of Life struggles that we could see!

Chronicling Europe 2018 – Copenhagen Greets Me

The weather was a little dreary on the first day but by the afternoon the sun came out to greet us, so did the city of Copenhagen. Big Bus tours as some of the best ways to see the sights and sounds of any destination. This is true whether you are traveling domestically or internationally.

We enjoy it because it’s a great way to learn about the history and to find hot spots to go back and explore. The Little Mermaid, Tivoli Gardens, and Frederik’s Church are amazing attractions and landmarks to visit while in the city. We got the chance to hop-on and hop-off at sites that interested us.

Diverse shoppers like me loved hearing about IKEA and its history here in Denmark. Everyone we encountered from the couple from Germany to our British concierge assistant made an impression on the trip.

 

Now like many of the travelers also there during our stay, the goal and destination involved sailing with world-renown musician Dave Koz on the Friends at Sea, Scandinavia and The Baltic Cruise. We would be visiting Stockholm, Sweden, Tallinn, Estonia, St. Petersburg, Russia and Helsinki, Finland.

Our backdrop throughout the journey would include the most amazing jazz being played by equally as amazing artists. Setting sail with Day One Headliners of Michael Lington and Jonathan Butler got us ready for the week!



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…

Embrace 2014 - Get a New Perspective

Every year has something new to offer us. Embracing 2014 is all about getting a new perspective on life. This is a time to pursue goals that have long since disappeared. This is also a time to make changes towards happiness and away from negativity.

There are many steps that can be taken to grab onto a different perspective. Taking these steps is the best way to move ahead into the future. When we do things the same old way, we get the same old results. Let's take a look at some of things that can help us journey through a better and more positive year.

Consider Our Connections

The people around you have a direct impact on you and your perspective. If there's only a negative group in your circle, you need a new one. Moving towards your goals takes support and commitment.

Invest In Yourself

What investments have you made in yourself? This type of investment can be seen in time and resources. Achievements cannot be actualized without drawing a line in the sand. Research, reading and networking are useful tools for getting the perspective you desire!

Living Outside the Box!

I've always had a love for travel. I think it's the writer in me that wants to make a verbal image for what I see. As a family we've taken some pretty amazing trips both in the states and outside them. My most recent trip, however, was nothing less than a life-changer.

I spent 10 days in Europe with my husband, alone. We ventured to Rome to catch our cruise ship, Navigator of the Seas. This Mediterranean cruise was a jazz adventure via Dave Koz. The music was tremendous throughout our 8 days at sail. The talent of the artists was well worth travelling around the world to experience.

But I must say that living outside the box with my husband on our own Amazing Race was the best part. Running from airport to airport and stumbling over the languages was a lot of fun. Once onboard we were still on a terrific adventure. The music, the events and the excursions of the ports.

The beautiful cities of Messina, Mykonos, Athens, Naples and Rome gave us new experiences. For me it was a time to expand my mind and my impression of the world. As a couple it was time to enjoy not having any schedules to meet. Romance and all that jazz! I think that every couple needs to find their own adventure and get-away from it all. It doesn't have to be on the other side of the globe.

It just needs to be meaningful and outside the box!