We’ve gotten pretty smart over at Cloud 9 Adventures. First of all, we corner the market for international music events: Jam Cruise will sail for the 11th time this coming January and we will host our 6th Holidaze in December. All events have sold out each year. But now we realize that having back-to-back events allow more bands and fans to experience paradise and it’s easy for us to keep staff and the infrastructure in place for two weeks straight. Win-win for everyone.
This year was PARTICULARILY special as this was the first time we did two events in a row at the gorgeous all-inclusive resort Now Sapphire in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico: Mayan Holidaze directly into Panic en la Playa. And they went off seamlessly.
We already know Mayan Holidaze is a slam-dunk (previously called Caribbean Holidaze in Jamaica) but scoring Widespread Panic was a major accomplishment. The band RARELY does 4-night runs. Plus, the intimacy of 2,000 fans in Mexico was something that has never been done before, nothing even close to it!
So let’s start the story of the event based on a few select photos. Just note, I know you like reading my columns and seeing my photos, but I urge you to experience a Cloud 9 Adventure and see what the buzz is all about. We make dreams come true and I am so proud to be a part of that.
Here’s just a skeleton of the massive stage we build in the middle of the beach. And the sand is SO soft that your feet MELT deep into it. We say “shoes not required!” What other concert promoter says that?
I’ve tried to eat REALLY healthy throughout my pregnancy (I was a mere 3 months in Mexico) so my buddy Pancho made me a green juice every morning and delivered it to me wherever I was in the hotel. The Mexican hospitality is over the top.
This is the most gorgeous hallway I’ve ever seen and I walked it daily. The resort was truly luxurious.
View from outside the enchanted walkway.
Just chillin with one of the coolest guys that God ever created, David Murphy from STS9. I’m so lucky…my favorite of their song’s is Breathe In and whenever I get the chance to see the band, Dave asked me, “so when do you want to hear your song?” Seriously? Means the world to me!!!
Ugh, I kinda love this photo I took of Aron Magner. The Biscuits were on FIRE in Mexico!
One of my new favorite people, The Polish Ambassador! We carefully choose the support acts for Mayan Holidaze (meaning the Biscuits, Umphrey’s and STS9 are always the headlining bands and we have a few slots for other acts) and this guy tore it up!
This gazebo is one of the best places for a daytime show, agreed? We have daily DJ’s and here, Brendan Bayliss gave a beautiful acoustic performance while we all just floated in the pool around him. This is a quintessential reason why Cloud 9 events rock. Who wouldn’t want to swim around in a pool while listening to amazing music in DECEMBER in the Caribbean?
This is one of the sickest photos I took down in Mexico. And honestly, Peter from Lance Herbstrong was a total bad ass for getting in the water with his guitar. He ROCKED this solo with the sun setting behind him.
This pose is not unfamiliar to you guys. Mags and I take it wherever we are. We probably have 10 or more shots from various locations around the world. It’s pretty damn cute and he is a dear dear friend of mine.
My best friend in the world is Kelly. We work together so although she lives in Florida, we talk every day and that really helps our connection. And getting this moment to dance with her on stage for Lance Herbstrong was simply perfect.
Classic….Brownie and I pose for a cute shot when Jeffrey Lerner from STS9 jumps in. Usually when this happens, you end up saying, “dude, who’s the guy in the back who ruined our photo?” But of COURSE, Jeffrey made it even BETTER!
I guess this run of photos is me with rock stars which is sorta typical for me. Ryan Stasik, AKA Pony, is DEFINITELY a rock star. Sweet, funny, talented and a true rocker. Getting to hang with him as a friend in Mexico is wonderful.
Yet ANOTHER rocker…Wade Wilby. He’s totally family to us at Cloud 9 and his alter ego Wyllys can keep us dancing till the sun comes up.
Oh Kamal…he was first my manager when I worked at Lollapalooza for 3 years. But there was instant connection so the friendship was really easy to slip into. I’ve long since worked at Lolla, but our relationship continued and even strengthened. I worked hard to get his band Lance Herbstrong on Mayan Holidaze and they DELIVERED…all re-mixes of our favorite covers from back in the day. I love love love this guy so much! Clearly he feels the same way.
Colorado is hands down the top state where Mayan Holidaze attendees come from. My friend Abby and I have helped organize a group photo every year and it keeps getting bigger and bigger. She even started a facebook event this year so we can get the word out sooner for December’s event. The pride that oozes from all of us is apparent in this lovely photo taken by Chad Smith.
Another gorgeous musician I get to call a friend…Zach Velmer. His talent behind a drum kit along with his incredible spirit makes him another one of God’s greatest creations. And since he’s sexy as hell, I had to take a shot of us in bathing suits.
I really hope you can read this funny note. My favorite lines are “We like to party” and of course, “Your (spelled wrong) cute.” I learned a really important lesson this year at Holidaze. Hand pick who rooms next to me! The boys next door were SOOO loud all week long. But whatever, it’s not like it was appropriate to say anything to them. Anyway, I’m a pretty visible member of Cloud 9 as I make the stage announcements and spend my time ensuring everyone is a having a good time. On the last night, we all got back to our rooms at the same time after dinner and they were shocked to see “me” rooming next to them. “You’re the one on stage,” to which I replied, “and you are SO loud.” They got all sweet and apologetic saying “you should have come in and shut us up.” “I’m here to make sure you have fun, not kill your buzz. But if you can try to be quiet tonight, that would be great since I’ve got an entire 2nd event starting tomorrow.” We hugged it out and went on our way. I get this adorable note under my door and of course, how could I stay mad at them? Even the rowdiest of our fans are super sweet. I’d say Mayan Holidaze was another major success. Onto PANIC!!!!
Widespread Panic has been one of my favorite bands since 1997. So how blessed was I to have a hand in booking them for Panic en la Playa? Beyond blessed. The band, the fans…they had the best time possible.
And how cool was this pyramid right in the middle of the sand where we all danced? It was there for days, everyone respecting the effort that went into it. Creator: Anonymous.
Not only was Mayan Holidaze flooded with Coloradoans, but Panic was the same way. Colorado kids just LOVE live music and KNOW the benefit of a Cloud 9 Adventure…our friend Diana made home state shirts and we organized an awesome photo.
After 9 days of working hard, I needed a little OM. Thanks to my buddy David for helping me sit and meditate for 5 seconds.
Widespread Panic just celebrated their 25th anniversary. The fans came up with a great theme night to help show the boys some appreciation: Silver Night! It was a full-out sparkle party.
I love my friends. And I do my best to be a good friend to them. Well, I was told to be by the stage at 5pm the last night. A bunch of them got together to show their gratitude for the event by giving me a silver frame with the event name and a big “We love you, Annabel.” I cried…seriously cried.
I didn’t know WHAT was going on but I knew it was some sort of surprise. So I told Dave Vann to meet us there and he took a wonderful photo that I put into that gorgeous frame…life is good.
My sweet friend Dave Schools…We’ve been buddies for 12 years. It’s a very real friendship, one that brings both of us a lot of joy.
That’s right kids, Widespread Mother Fuckin Panic…25 years of incredible music, an amazing scene. Fans are serious about their band and this event was quite a testament to the musicians and their loyal followers…It was pure magic. Now, I only hope we get to do it again.
