When I signed up for the Jazz Fest at Sea cruise (January 2-14 out of Miami) as a paying and playing passenger on a Big Birthday Trip present from my kids, the vicious hurricanes that raked the Caribbean beauty spots the cruise was to visit had not even been formed. When they later hit with such unbelievable fury, it was quickly apparent a whole lot of healing would be required.
Especially devastated was Puerto Rico, which Hurricane Maria sledgehammered as it traversed the length of the island, sparing little. You name the need—power, medicine, food, roads, and much more—and they need it. It was to be and is a long-haul recovery. These are neighbors, countrymen already struggling and in serious need of a big hand. So, about 3 a.m. one night, the time of wackiest thinking, I wondered whether we might be able to do some good while we were having fun cruising, jamming, and listening to a world class cast of jazz pros.
Maybe, music could help. I pitched a plan to hold a fund-raiser jazz concert to the Jazz Fest at Sea group and am looking forward to their aid in making the concert a reality. A helping hand from the MSC cruise line would also a big boost.
Shortly thereafter, I wrote a note to San Juan’s take-charge mayor, Carmen Yulin Cruz, to tell her of our plan and asked whether she, standing at ground zero, would suggest a worthy charity if we are able to pull off the co
