On Saturday, July 21st, the first ever Iceberg Concert Cruise set sail from St. John’s Harbour. I was lucky enough to be on it. The event gets its name from it’s three main sponsors, who all share a similar theme: Iceberg Alley Music Festival, Iceberg Quest boat tours, and Iceberg Vodka.
The coolest thing about this cruise? The artist was kept a total mystery. Nobody knew who they were coming to see. The suspense was thick in the air as I arrived at JAG Hotel for the opening reception (side note: I can’t say it enough– Jag is one of St. John’s’ coolest hotels hands-down. We had the pleasure of working with them a few months ago, check out that article here) and everybody was buzzing with excitement. The reception featured live music by Mick Davis, signature cocktails, and delicious food from Jag’s Exile restaurant.
After enjoying the delicious food and drinks, receiving our VIP boarding passes, and getting to know our fellow passengers (the cruise is win-to-get-in only so nobody knew each other!) we headed to the pier to board the Iceberg Quest boat. The captain gave us the safety speech and away we went. After a few more drinks and a couple loops around the harbour, we saw a small boat speeding towards us: it was the mystery artist. We were lucky we didn’t flip the boat because everyone ran over to see who was coming!
It was none other than Matt Mays and Adam Baldwin, the folk-rock singers with endless talent. They climbed aboard and started playing immediately. Their performance had the perfect backdrop– Signal Hill and the lower battery, which slowly turned into the St. John’s skyline, and then Fort Amherst as the boat made its way around the harbour. A couple of songs in, the captain announced that we’d be heading out through the Narrows. The sun was setting and Matt and Adam played “I’m on Fire” by Bruce Springsteen and “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones. It was surreal.
The boat pulled into Quidi Vidi next, which was cool because I’d never seen the little town from that angle before. On one of the cliffs was a group of people having a bonfire and trying for some fish. Yes, they were fishing off the side of a cliff, and no, I really don’t think you can get any more Newfie than that. Matt Mays was thrilled by this and dedicated a song to them– they got the message because they all got up and started dancing and cheering. What a cool moment. You really can’t plan this stuff!
There were a few more loops around the harbour, a wicked encore, and high-fives all around. We thanked Matt and Adam for the unforgettable show, disembarked, and were waved off with a deadly swag bag. We scored sunglasses, Iceberg vodka, Pepsi, and tickets to see Coleman Hell at the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent in September!! Now I get to take in two Iceberg Alley shows since the festival coordinators have kindly invited twowildtides to Alan Doyle on September 15. Can’t friggin’ wait!
We want to send the most heartfelt thank-yous to Steele Communications, Iceberg Alley Music Festival, Iceberg Quest, Jag Hotel, Iceberg Vodka, Matt Mays and Adam Baldwin, and all the folks who put in the hard work it takes to make an event like this a success. A huge thanks also goes to the other sponsors: Coors Light, Collingwood Spirits & Wines, Pepsi, Canadian AV Inc, Steers Insurance, Orange Store, K-Rock, and 99.1 Hits FM.
Who’s got their Iceberg Alley tickets?! What bands are you most excited for? Did you go last year? Leave us a comment, shoot us an email, or send a message on social media, @twowildtides! Can you spot me in the promotional recap video??
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