In NYC, there are lots of places for musicians to play and lots of cool places for an audience to enjoy them. Cool rock clubs and cafes, even street corners and subway platforms, can be great venues. But one of the most impressive gigs for artists and audiences alike is on board the Half Moon, part of the fleet of Rocks Off boats, cruising from the East River into the New York Harbor, circling the Statue of Liberty and taking in all of NYC's iconic glory in the best way, all lit up after midnight.

Throughout the summer, the Rocks Off Concert Cruise Series (www.rocksoff.com) gives bands and their fans the wild opportunity to stand on the deck of a ship, sail under the bridges, gaze at the lights and all the splendor, drinks some drinks, eat some food and, most importantly, catch a great show.

A couple nights ago, my harmonicas and I boarded the Half Moon with Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons (www.jerryjoseph.com), a killer band with hints of the Clash and Steve Earle. The Jackmormons have been touring relentlessly over the years, and every now and again, not only do I get to catch up with them, but I get to join up for a couple tunes here and there.

I originally met Jerry over in Switzerland in 2003 when he was doing a European run with Dave Schools(Widespread Panic) as the original Stockholm Syndrome. I had gotten placed on a few of the bills as an opener... anyway, not much is cooler for a musician in NYC then to get brought on this swanky little ship, sailed around New York Harbor, and then invited on stage by a killer band to play some wild tunes to an excited crowd.

Rocks Off, cheers to you!

Questions or comments? Email james_dalton@hotmail.com.