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The Straight Skinny

 

Say It Ain't So

 

 

By Carol Archer

Big Wheels, Keep On Turnin'

Announcement of the imminent departure, before month's end, of KTWV(The Wave)/Los Angeles' "No Stress Express" afternoon driver,  legendary top-rated personality, Don Burns (he of luxurious, mellifluous pipes, trenchant content and scoring No. 1 at every station where he has worked since the beginning of his career), marks the end of an epoch in L.A. radio. Burns and midday personality Talaya Trigueros have anchored The Wave's ongoing success for well over two decades. In the most recent PPM, Burns earned No.1 among music stations in his daypart -- same old -- and tied Talk KFI-AM.

 

 

 

At the same time, Brian McKnight exits his eponymous morning shift on The Wave. The station's morning co-host Pat Prescott is now paired with former AC KOST/Los Angeles morning co-host Kim Amidon.

Goin' To A Go-Go

The stellar lineup to set sail from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2012 has been unveiled by Jazz Cruises, LLC. Expect a Miracle on "The Greatest Party at Sea" when Motown legend Smokey Robinson makes his debut on The Smooth Jazz Cruise. The extravaganza will be hosted by David Sanborn and Marcus Miller, along with special event hosts Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright, aboard the week-long musical voyages scheduled to sail Jan.15-22 and Jan.22-29, 2012.

       Other stars who will perform aboard the Holland America M/S Westerdam are Boney James, Rick Braun, Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius, Jeff Golub, Rahsaan Patterson, Patrice Rushen, Joe Sample, Brian Simpson, Peter White and DW3, the official party band of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Alonzo Bodden will provide comic relief on the cruise while KTWV(The Wave)/L.A. morning co-host Pat Prescott, as well as Dane Butcher, will serve as event hosts and emcees.

         "We are very proud and excited to announce the 2012 lineup. It is a very special lineup because we asked our guests who they’d most like to see perform on The Smooth Jazz Cruise and that’s who we booked. Our guests are our number one priority and we do everything we can to provide them with a fun, first-class experience and an unforgettable musical vacation," says Smooth Jazz Cruise executive director Michael Lazaroff.

       Talk about self-marketing! The cruise attracts extraordinary repeat business: nearly 60% of the guests return to sail aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise again, and nearly 50% re-up for the following year while still on the high seas. In recognition of this remarkable loyalty, for the first time, a special rate will be offered for the 2012 cruise for guests who have sailed with the program four or more times.

       Due to popular demand, The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011 marks the first time two consecutive sailings (same itinerary) are offered: Jan. 16-23 and Jan. 23-30. Both excursions are virtually sold-out nine months ahead of the departure dates.

       The original cruise in the genre, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, which sailed upon its maiden voyage in 2004, presents a wealth of opportunities to meet and get to know the artists personally off-stage in an out-of-the-ordinary setting.  While sailing to exquisite ports of call in the Caribbean, guests enjoy nightly headline concerts with unique artist pairings to choose from in large showrooms as well as in more intimate lounges; cocktail parties hosted by the musicians; afternoon autograph and Q & A sessions; contests; and even morning exercise classes.