Dave Koz Cruise – Special Guest Performers Line Up

CASEY ABRAMS

Special Guest

Spellbinding performance has become something of a tradition for the critically acclaimed singer and multi-instrumentalist, Casey Abrams. After a head-turning stint on the tenth season of “American Idol”, his 2012 self-titled debut made a huge impact, catapulting this red-haired bass master to even wider acclaim and stardom. Worldwide touring followed, as well as numerous collaborations alongside “musical soulmate” Haley Reinhart. Recently, Casey has been seen internationally as part of the renowned collective, Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox as well as launching his own nine-piece “funk orchestra” via select FunkHaus gigs at venues like Hotel Café in Los Angeles. A first timer to our cruise, don’t miss this amazing artist performing all over the ship this week!

SELINA ALBRIGHT

Special Guest

The apple certainly does not fall far from the tree in this case! Selina Albright, daughter of Glynis and Gerald Albright, is a soulful singer-songwriter with incredible versatility that comes from years of exposure to many different types of music. Her angelic tone adds character and emotion to any ballad, while her powerful belting and energetic stage presence commands the listener’s attention. Selina’s intimate, connective writing style comes from experiences in her own life, so that when you listen to her music, you’re really being introduced to a private piece of who Albright is, has been, or is becoming. Selina Albright has graced the stage the world over with many artists, many of whom are on this cruise too, such as Rick Braun, Adam Hawley, Dave Koz, Jeff Lorber and Peter White. A big Aussie welcome to Selina Albright!

MARCUS ANDERSON

Special Guest

Marcus Anderson is a one-man music making machine! One of the premiere saxophonists in the world, Marcus is not only a sought after solo artist with ten hit albums to date, but he’s also on the road performing with superstars such as CeeLo Green, Prince, and The New Power Generation, in addition to his full slate of solo shows. A gifted singer, writer, choreographer and world-class dancer, as he effortlessly proved in jaw-dropping performances on our last two cruises, Marcus is also an avid coffee drinker and is founder of AND Coffee. Be on the lookout for his first ever “Jazz AND Coffee Escape” music festival coming to Asheville NC this August! Welcome back, Marcus!

DYLAN CHAMBERS

Special Guest

Young singer/guitarist Dylan Chambers is taking the L.A. music world by storm since arriving on the scene from his native Arlington, TX, a few years ago. He got his start at just 16 years old, opening for Three Dog Night, and has since shared the stage with Gavin DeGraw, Haley Reinhart and gone on tour with the cast of “Dancing With The Stars” singing and playing guitar. Relaxed and at home on any stage, be sure to look for Dylan creating his own unique musical vibe all over the ship this week!

JAVIER COLON

Special Guest

The son of a Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother, Javier Colon burst on to the musical scene through our TV screens a few years ago as the winner of the very first season of NBC’s “The Voice.” While viewed by some as an immediate overnight success, the truth is, Javier had been toiling at his craft for decades as a member of the soul/ funk group, EmcQ and the Derek Trucks Band before going solo. This immensely talented singer/songwriter/guitarist refers to his style of music as “acoustic soul” and indeed, whatever Javier sings, he puts all of his soul into it, which is why audiences are transfixed every time he opens his mouth! When he’s not hanging out with his wife Maureen and their three adorable kids, or playing a round of golf, you will likely see Jav with a guitar strapped on his back, doing what he loves—making music for all of us!

FINGERS MITCHELL CULLEN

Special Guest

At just 25, Australia’s own Fingers Mitchell Cullen is fast becoming a star on the world stage. A singer/songwriter with his own completely unique style, Fingers is known in his homeland for his outstanding speed and 12 string guitar skills, as well as being a master of the indigenous Australian instrument, the didgeridoo. Wait til you hear this talented young man do his thing…it’s not to be believed! Voted Australia’s “Number One Home Grown Talent” on the national TV show Australia’s Got Talent, this amazing first-timer to our cruise will likely be one of the most talked-about performers onboard. Prepare to be amazed!

MATT CUSSON

Special Guest

Matt Cusson, an award-winning singer/songwriter and pianist, continues to wow audiences everywhere he goes and opens up his mouth. A gifted self-taught musician who excels in many genres of music: jazz, pop and soul, Matt has been working and touring with his mentor and friend, Brian McKnight, Broadway/TV star Megan Hilty, 5-time Grammy winner Cee Lo Green, and of course, his musical partner in crime, Javier Colon. We’re pumped to have Matt join us for the first time!

DJ WILL REELSOUL

DJ

JAZMIN GHENT

Special Guest

Up and coming saxtress Jazmin Ghent is one of the hottest national smooth jazz and gospel artists today. We’re thrilled to host this true ‘bright light’ in the sax world for the first time on our cruise. With three albums already under her belt and two chart-topping singles, Jazmin has performed at major festivals throughout the country and in Europe. In addition, she finds time to teach music in Polk County Florida to elementary students in grades K-5. Voted 2017’s best new smooth jazz artist, we’re so excited to have this amazing young talent along to make us all happy.

ELLIS HALL

Special Guest

Through the ages, there have been a number of famous, blind, African American male entertainers in the world of gospel, blues, soul and pop…but few as unilaterally gifted as Mr. Ellis Hall. What other man can claim to have written 3,800 songs, sung at the funeral of Helen Keller, and performed before Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa?! A former member of Tower of Power and the lead voice for the animated California Raisins, Ellis was nominated for a Ovation Award for his very first stage role in “The Gospel At Colonus”. This man can do (and sing!) it all! A huge welcome to The Ambassador Of Soul, the great Ellis Hall!

ADAM HAWLEY

Special Guest

With multiple #1 hits from his debut CD Just The Beginning, and already riding the success off his follow up Double Vision, it’s safe to say we’ll be hearing from guitarist Adam Hawley well into the future. Having spent years on the road with superstars like Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Cole and the American Idol tour, Adam honed his skills as a soloist, and there’s no stopping him now. With a doctorate in music from USC, Adam also teaches music at multiple schools in Southern CA. Billboard Magazine’s Jazz Artist of the Year in 2016 as well as one of the fastest rising names in contemporary jazz, you don’t want to miss the chance to see Adam make his magic on board this week!

JUSTIN HOPKINS

Special Guest

Eclectic, heartfelt, soulful and powerful – some of the words best used to describe the intense talent of “America’s Got Talent” alum, Justin Hopkins. In addition to singing and songwriting, Justin also plays guitar, piano, bass and drums. An avid surfer and golfer, this charismatic mega-talent can be heard everywhere across L.A. and around the country, and when not doing his thing, loves spending time with his family, especially his beautiful daughter, 9 year-old Nicolette who is the light of his life.

RODNEY LEE

Musical Director

Our wonderful music director is a phenomenally talented keyboardist, producer and recording artist, who has made quite a name for himself in music. Equally at home in jazz R&B, funk, pop, and electronica, Rodney’s sound is honed from years of work on the road and in the studio with diverse artists such as Freddie Hubbard, Jody Watley, Mindi Abair, Dave Koz, El DeBarge, Marc Antoine, Terence Trent D’Arby, the Jazz Crusaders and more. When not hanging out jamming with his amazingly talented son Razz, Rodney is a proud member of Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers, effortlessly adding his unique flair to the music. We’re very lucky indeed to have Rodney on board!

ILYA SEROV

Special Guest

Jazz standards never go out of style. Today, this timeless musical genre is benefiting from an array of gifted young artists who bring an infusion of imagination and vision to America’s original musical art form. Ilya Serov is one such artist — with an unusual twist. He was born in Russia and moved to the US at 21 years old! Armed with an intense appreciation for American jazz, this award-winning trumpeter-singer-band leader is truly making a name for himself with American audiences. And with his new big-band album “Back In Time”, he showcases both the chops and the charisma to help spark a true American jazz renaissance.

JOHN STODDART

Special Guest

John Stoddart is unquestionably an accomplished singer, composer, writer and instrumentalist. He has such an incredible gift, it can only be from ‘up above’. Growing up in a musical family, he was singing and playing the piano in church almost as soon as he could walk. His long list of credits include stints with Celine Dion, Kirk Whalum, Al Jarreau, Take 6, and Patti Austin just to name a few. A sought-after singer and keyboardist, we are indeed blessed to have John on board again to musical direct our Gospel show as well as create countless other magical musical moments ahead this week!

CHRIS WALKER

Featured Performer

Raised in Houston, Texas, where he began singing before speaking, returning artist Chris Walker got his start in the church as a member of his family gospel group. Since then, Chris has gone on to play bass for Ornette Coleman, Regina Belle and for the last many years, was right there alongside the great Al Jarreau, singing and playing his heart out. A solo artist as well with two Top 5 Billboard R&B hits, Chris is most excited about releasing his just completed Al Jarreau tribute project “We’re In This Love Together” this Spring, featuring the original Jarreau band and special guests Will Downing, David Foster, Bob James, Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum and many other luminaries.

CORY WONG

Special Guest

Minneapolis-based guitarist Cory Wong is living a dream most would say was impossible just a few short years ago. His meteoric rise is well-documented online, and is helped along not only by his sheer genius on the guitar, but his complete mastery of how to put on an entertaining show, whether live or on YouTube. A true ‘artist of the future’, Cory cemented his reputation playing with members of Prince’s New Power Generation and Michigan funk phenomenon, Vulfpeck. He’s currently on tour with his solo project, and after mounting a successful campaign online for what he called the “Koz Nod”, is finally here on the cruise for the very first time. Indeed, dreams do come true!

BRINGING YOU TRULY FABULOUS MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT