Happy Independence Day! This 4th of July I am embarking on a new voyage on Carnival Elation! I will be playing at the piano bar on this ship until September 2.  I can't wait to see what this next adventure brings!

My between-cruises break was filled with awesome learning opportunities traveling through Europe, visiting a fewplaces crucial to the battle on the European front of the military effort in WWII.  Places like Normandy on D-Day and Bastogne.  Those images and stories are still on my mind, especially today when we celebrate America's independence.

Enjoy the day with friends, family, (or crew members)!  What a wonderful time to be alive and able to create and share!  

Photo: Pointe du Hoc in between Omaha Beach and Utah Beach in Normandy, France.

I will be joining Carnival Liberty April 4 - May 24 at the piano bar!  I am excited to meet great people, have fun making music, and learning more about Bahamian culture and people!  Perhaps I'll see you there! ;)

Photo by: Ray Jenkins

Having so much fun playing out at sea that I decided to continue the voyage - this time on the Carnival Valor through the first week of March!  See you on board!

Pic: on the beaches of Progreso, Mexico

I'm currently out at sea playing and singing in the piano bar on Carnival Vista!  It has been an absolutely wonderful experience full of music, fun, great people, and worldly adventure!  The places that I've visited on board the Carnival ships include Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk,Mexico, Honduras, Belize, and the Bahamas.  It's been historically and culturally educational.  One of my favorite experiences was visiting Bob Marley's home and playing the family piano!  Watch my instagram: @mzrags for more pics and updates!

Pictured is me sitting on Bob Marley's inspiration rock in Nine Mile, Jamaica.

Big thanks to James Metcalfe at Fupping for including my thoughts on songwriting in their article "13 Brilliant Ways for Musicians to Reclaim Their Inspiration".  I believe everything I said and am trying my best to follow this creed!  Check out the article HERE with more great tips on songwriting inspiration!