GREAT AMERICAN STEAMBOAT COMPANY ANNOUNCES STAR-STUDDED LINEUP OF HEADLINING ENTERTAINERS

 The Largest, Most Opulent Steamboat In The World To Offer
The Most Extraordinary Entertainment on America’s Rivers

 
MEMPHIS, TN, December 1, 2011 – The Great American Steamboat Company is pleased to announce the first details of the entertainment line-up for the inaugural season of the Steamer American Queen, including the line’s inaugural season Riverlorian.
 
Night after magical night, top entertainers will bring down the house in the American Queen’s majestic Grand Saloon. Two decks tall, the Grand Saloon is absolutely palatial, the most elegant showplace on the river. Every evening, guests will be treated to a different celebration of America’s best music, from Broadway hits to Dixieland Jazz, big band to bluegrass, ragtime to rock and roll. Showboat-style cabaret acts and old-fashioned radio shows add variety and charm to the evening lineup.

“The American Queen and her fabled predecessors were consistently renowned and acclaimed for their lavish, award-winning entertainment and we could not be more pleased to offer our guests all of these legendary names aboard the most legendary riverboat in the world,” stated Christopher Kyte, president of Great American Steamboat Company.
 
The Return of the Riverlorians
While the entertainment in the Grand Saloon will have guests’ toes tapping, the enrichment and historical aspects will have their senses piqued. As the American Queen carries forward the 100+ yearlong legacy of the fabled Delta Queen Steamboat Company, it is only fitting that a much-loved Delta Queen veteran serve as the inaugural Riverlorian. Mary Charlton, who has served as Riverlorian aboard the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen in the past is returning in her starring role.
 
“The American Queen is not just the only authentic steamboat on America’s waterways, she presents the only truly authentic Steamboating experience and the only true Riverlorians, which of course were a staple of the Delta Queen boats for decades,” stated Kyte.
 
Glenn Miller Orchestra– The big band show, with a sound of its own, draws rave reviews performing original arrangements of classics that defined a generation. Swing, sway or just tap in time with nostalgic tunes like In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo and many others.
 
Voyage dates: July 27, August 3, December 28

Harry James Orchestra – Directed by Fred Radke, who played first trumpet for the master himself and is held in esteem by jazz greats, the incredible orchestra stirs memories of the good old days with hits including All or Nothing at All, Ain’t She Sweet, Up a Lazy River and more.
 
Voyage Dates: April 19, April 27

Rat Pack Show – Guests will close their eyes and swear it’s Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. Amazing performers evoke the sounds and memories of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, backed by our onboard orchestra. Enjoy hits that include Fly Me to the Moon, That’s Amore, Everybody Loves Somebody, New York, New York, When I Was Seventeen and others.
 
Voyage Dates: May 8, May 15, May 22, June 28, July 18, October 22, December 14

B.J. Thomas – The voice is unmistakable and the audience will return to the late 60s and early 70s as the legendary B.J. Thomas sings his chart-topping songs, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head, Hooked on a Feeling, I Just Can’t Help Believing, Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song and others.
 
Voyage Dates: July 11, July 18, July 22

The Lovin’ Spoonful – Playing the hits that put them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the band will transport the Grand Saloon to the 60s with their great songs, including Do You Believe in Magic, Daydream, Summer in the City and Nashville Cats.
 
Voyage Dates: July 11, July 18, July 22

The Platters – The original doo-wop act brings back the sound of the 50s with the songs that became classics: Only You, The Great Pretender, My Prayer, Twilight Time, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and others.
 
Voyage Date: September 7

Bill Haley’s Comets – The genesis of rockabilly and early rock, Bill Haley’s Comets will have guests moving to energetic hits like Rock Around the Clock and Shake, Rattle and Roll.

Voyage Date: September 7

Annie Moses Band – This incredible classically trained family  will have everyone in the holiday spirit performing seasonal music. Featured are violin, viola, cello, harp, guitar, piano and stunning vocals.
 
Voyage Dates: November 19, December 9, December 14

The New Orleans Jazz All-Stars –These maestros of the Big Easy’s jazz scene will take the American Queen on a journey through the history of a purely American music genre.
 
Voyage Dates: April 13, April 19

Juggernaut Jug Band – Steamboaters will delight in the authentic form of river music known as “jug music.” Rooted in the port towns of the Deep South, jug music includes styles of swing, jazz and bluegrass, performed by Juggernaut’s amazing artists.
 
Voyage Dates: May 4, May 29, September 28, October 12

Storefront Congregation – Graze on their smooth blend of bluegrass, country and blues and it will be known why the band is called “bluegrass’s newest sensation.”
 
Voyage Date: April 27
 
Additional details on these and other acclaimed acts, along with additional voyage dates will be available online at GreatAmericanSteamboatCompany.com/entertainment.
 
Great American Steamboat Company offers a variety of voyage lengths, ranging from three nights to ten nights, and fares beginning at $995 per guest, offers exceptional value and convenience, with little or no flying required. And  with one of the best early booking bonuses in the industry, our "Steamboating Plus"  program offers a complimentary luxury hotel stay before or after sailing along with transfers, a welcome brunch and much more.
 
The Steamer American Queen is the largest, grandest and most opulent riverboat in the world. Featuring plush accommodations for 436 privileged guests, she is a marvelous blend of old-world luxury and modern amenities and comforts. Under the guidance of famed American chef Regina Charboneau, guests will be treated to her acclaimed cuisine in their choice of four dining venues, all at no additional charge.
 
The Great American Steamboat Company not only has an exceptional management team behind it but exceeds all current Federal financial protection guidelines, offering a unique "Total Financial Security Program" where 100% of fares paid are held in escrow accounts until the voyage is completed. The Great American Steamboat Company has assembled many of the same talented individuals that made the steamboat experience one of the most successful and acclaimed cruise products of its day. Every one of the senior executives has a total commitment and passion for the very unique niche steamboats occupy in American history and legend.
 
Given the long absence of steamboats from the great rivers of America, we expect our Inaugural Season to fill quickly and prompt reservations are encouraged to avoid disappointment.  For additional information and reservations, kindly contact the Great American Steamboat Company at 888-749-5280, visit us online at www.GreatAmericanSteamboatCompany.com or call your professional travel agent.