Day 6: songwriters panel; afternoon Carbon Leaf show

Now that it’s the last day on the ship, we finally go down the big waterslide and play a round of mini-golf. Very strange.

The fruity drinks are entertaining, but I’m still appalled by how much alcohol is pushed. The waiter never walk by with a bucket of Coke or bottle water. I wasn’t surprised to see the daily schedule listing the code for an AA meeting (“friends of Bill W”)

We plan to go play rock n roll bingo, lead by Carbon Leaf. When we get there we learn that they will not be there – because their evening show has become a 1:30 show.

Mary and Diana decide to stay for bingo, I head out to go see the show. But I don’t make it until after 2:00. On my way back to the lido deck, I hear music coming from the Caribbean Lounge. I assume someone is doing their soundcheck, so I peek in. It’s the songwriters panel. Supposedly a ticketed event, but the upper level is virtually empty. So, I take a seat. It’s no surprise at all the Alan is in the lineup that also includes Steve, Ed, Sarah Harmer, comedian Boothby Graffoe. The eight panelists take turns performing – sometimes lyrics with special meaning to them and others to show off something about the music. Following Sarah’s half-finished song, Alan comments that it’s better than two of his finished songs, and that he might have to record it first. Ed immediately points out that “They already have,” pointing to the audience members with camcorders. When were you last at a concert that not only allowed cameras, but practically encouraged them? Alan’s first song is an acoustic Straight to Hell – he jokes that Sarah and Boothby might want to move back since the lightening bolt might hit at any moment. Then Boothby starts in on dark comic song about kittens in a bag. Alan dramatically looks heavenward and moves away.

I stay for a second round, but then dash off to hear the rest of Carbon Leaf.

(Luckily there are some good quality videos on YouTube of the songwriters panel, so I was able to see most of it anyway) Here's a great video of Alan singing Boston & St. John's. And one of Straight to Hell -- usually sung in rock god mode, not acoustic :