Epic - Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club Questions...

[crossgrain]

This will be the first time we're taking our kids, 18 and 15, on a cruise with us (Feb 22 sailing). They're understandably excited and have been checking out all the entertainment and activities options aboard the Epic.

 

One thing that caught their attention was the following blurb about Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club on the NCL homepage - Both of my kids are avid musicians, and both perform in different jazz combos at school:

 

"Take five at this happening place with a split personality featuring both jazz and the blues. By day, jam with the performers - at night, the professionals hit the stage."

 

Is that actually a "thing"? They're both really excited at the prospect of playing some jazz and jamming with others, but has anyone ever seen/participated in this deal? Should they bring their own mouthpiece or drumsticks along? Would my 15 year old be allowed to go by himself (he's the more excited of the two, and is a drummer in 2 different jazz combos)?

[TrpngBilly]

I've sailed twice on the Epic and both times I spent a lot - A LOT - of time in Fat Cats. To put it into perspective for you, my moniker is a tribute to the Dave Matthews Band and so is my avatar, so...music is very important to me. There are very few jazz/blues clubs of that quality with no cover charge. What I liked most about Fat Cats, aside from the fact that it's simply AWESOME, is it was filled with nothing but music fans...and I mean music fans who are serious about music.

 

As far as playing with the band, I did see some audience interaction a few times but for the most part the bands did their own thing. If your kids have instruments I say bring them. Better to have it and not need than need it and not have it. That's great that your kids are that passionate about music...if they spend any time at Fat Cats, they will be in good company.

[CruiseScrooge]

If your kids have instruments I say bring them. Better to have it and not need than need it and not have it.

 

bringing on instruments is not allowed by the cruise lines usually.

a quick google

http://www.carnival.com/Funville/forums/t/112166.aspx

• Musical Instruments: Only if the guest is participating in a pre-approved ship performance.

[crossgrain]

Thank you both for your replies!

 

I don't think we'll want to bring a trumpet or drum kit along ;) (maybe a mouthpiece or sticks) - do they have a horn player in the band normally? I did find someplace on the interwebs a brief mention that Fat Cats does have guitars to borrow (though I've not seen that confirmed anywhere on NCL's website)... unfortunately nobody in the family plays any stringed instruments.

 

Any word on whether the kids can go by themselves or do they need to be accompanied by parents since it is a bar/nightclub? Maybe at least during the day for the "jam sessions"?

[Lib0007]

I have a son in high school who is a trumpet player and loves jazz so we are looking forward to seeing some performances in this venue. I've heard from a couple of friends that the trumpet player on this ship is so great . . we had a wonderful one on the Dawn a few years ago and I'm hoping it is the same guy. After a short conversation one night after a show, he invited us back stage the next day and spent some quality time with my son talking about playing trumpet! Unfortunately I don't remember his name.

[Sauer-kraut]

Thank you both for your replies!

 

I don't think we'll want to bring a trumpet or drum kit along ;) (maybe a mouthpiece or sticks) - do they have a horn player in the band normally? I did find someplace on the interwebs a brief mention that Fat Cats does have guitars to borrow (though I've not seen that confirmed anywhere on NCL's website)... unfortunately nobody in the family plays any stringed instruments.

 

Any word on whether the kids can go by themselves or do they need to be accompanied by parents since it is a bar/nightclub? Maybe at least during the day for the "jam sessions"?

 

It all depends on who is booked to play in Fat Cats. When I sailed it was Charlie Love and the Satin Smooth Band (I think I got the band name right).

 

I used to sit in Fat Cats during the day....as there was no one in there and there were windows to watch the sea. I think if you talk to the band in a break, or see them on deck somewhere you might be able to get an invitation to play.

 

As to ages, any venue is open to children EXCEPT for the casino, it all depends on the playlist of the band if there are questionable lyrics. But if they are into Jazz...I'm sure they've come across them. ;)