live music
There’s nothing quite like the synergy of ocean breezes, shimmering sunsets, and the electrifying energy of live music. On FantaSea Connections Cruise, guests are treated to more than just breathtaking views and great amenities—they’re swept into a world of rhythm and melody with a live band that transforms the deck into a floating concert venue. From the moment the band strikes the first chord, the atmosphere shifts. Whether lounging poolside under the stars or dancing the night away at sea, passengers are immersed in a carefully curated set-list that spans genres and decades.
jen porter
Acclaimed singer, songwriter and entertainer Jen Porter has been called one of the hardest working women in her industry. She has been performing upbeat, energy-filled live shows for over two decades. She began performing professionally in her college years, working in an original band, a cover band, and a wedding band. She moved back to Chicago and quickly made a name for herself in bars and clubs in and around the third largest city in the country. She still performs at iconic locations such as Redhead Piano Bar downtown and Slugger’s Dueling Pianos next to Wrigley Field. Additionally, Jen is honored to be a resident singer of the National Anthem for MLB’s Chicago White Sox since 2007.
Jen quickly expanded from her hometown to performing at several locations throughout the United States, as well as on several enviable islands in the Caribbean and multiple countries in Europe. She enjoys residencies at several locations like Aruba, St. Maarten and Amsterdam. She also continues to steadily write and record original songs, boasting 5 albums under her belt, available on all major streaming services.
Critics often compare her live-show energy to that of Janis Joplin, her piano stylings and voice to Natalie Merchant, and the intensity of her songwriting to Fiona Apple. Her fourth album, “Closer to the Surface” was released to enthusiastic reviews. Andy Downing of the Chicago Tribune says, “[Porter’s] voice swing[s] between striking moments of intimacy and tornadic outbursts, while her piano . . . matches each emotional surge lockstep.”
“This is real music, wide and deep. It’s accessible but still invites you to take your time to see what’s really there. I don’t need any comparisons to get a handle on what she’s doing. She’s setting a standard by which others down the pike will be compared.”
the hit men
Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Wings, Alan Parsons, Billy Joel, Sting, Elton John, Journey, The Who and Cream were among the most beloved and influential classic rock artists of the second half of the 20th century. And all share another common denominator: at some point during their careers each had at least one of THE HIT MEN playing behind them on the road or in the studio.
THE HIT MEN –a supergroup consisting of super-talented sidemen and sessions musicians– either played, sang or did both on tour or in the studio for some of the most memorable classic rock hits of the era, including “Feels Like The First Time” (Foreigner), Don’t Stop Believin’” (Journey), “Live and Let Die” (Wings), “Eye In The Sky” (Alan Parsons), and “You May Be Right” (Billy Joel), using their talents to “wow” audiences internationally.
In their exciting multi-media show, THE HIT MEN perform the hits that they helped rocket to the top of the Billboard charts, AND they share fascinating never-before-told backstage stories about their adventures on the road and in recording studios with the classic rock legends they performed with.
the fabulous thunderbirds
For over 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up”. Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation.
“We started as a straight blues band”, vocalist and harmonica player Wilson says. “We now incorporate a mixture of a lot of different styles. We’re an American music band and we’re much higher energy than we were before.”
The band continues to tour extensively, in both the U.S. and Europe. Wilson is currently writing songs on his own, with band members and other writers. “I’ve primarily been a solo songwriter, but I’m looking forward to experimenting with the guys in the band,” Wilson says.
The thread throughout the T-Birds career has been the respect the group commanded for its peerless musicianship and devotion to the sounds of blues, R & B and rock ‘n roll.