After two days of music, spontaneous collaborations, and plenty of time to get acquainted with fellow passengers, Day 3 of The Revivalists’ Otherside of Paradise at Sea cruise brought a change of scenery. The ship spent the day in Nassau, Bahamas, giving passengers time to explore before the music picked back up for an evening packed with special guests, unexpected performances, and a tropical luau celebration.
With the ship docked in Nassau for much of the day, the schedule offered a chance to enjoy the island before returning to the familiar routine of catching live music around the ship. As the sun began to set and the ship prepared to leave the Bahamas, the afternoon and evening performances brought together musicians from across the lineup in ways that made this cruise feel different from a typical festival.
Dawes Kicks Off the Sailaway Celebration
Dawes got the post-Nassau festivities underway at 4:30 p.m. on the deck stage. Their performance provided the soundtrack as the ship departed the Bahamas, bringing passengers back together after a day ashore. The outdoor setting was a fitting place to welcome everyone back for another evening of music.
Michael Girardot, meanwhile, brought a more collaborative approach to his set in the Bliss Lounge. The Revivalists’ keyboardist began with a collection of songs that included “Life on a Boat,” “The Luckiest,” “Sarah and Francis,” and “Rocketship.” As the performance continued, he gradually invited more musicians into the room. Drums were added for “The Hunger,” saxophone joined for “Limit to Your Love,” and guitar and bass filled out the sound as the set developed.
For the final four songs, the performance became a full-on musical gathering, with Rob Ingraham, Zack Feinberg, George Gekas, and PJ Howard joining in. What began as a solo set turned into an informal jam session, showcasing the talent aboard the ship and the easy camaraderie among the musicians.
Girardot later reflected on what made the cruise so meaningful. In the usual rhythm of touring, friendships with fans and fellow musicians can be brief. Artists may perform in a city and not return for another couple of years, leaving little opportunity to spend time together beyond the show. Having everyone aboard the same ship for five days changed that dynamic.
“Wherever we play today we may not be back again for two years. This time we were all on the same ship,” Girardot explained. “Bringing everyone together for five days to enjoy each other’s company was a gift.”
He also singled out one of his favorite moments of the trip: watching his longtime bandmate Andrew Campanelli take the lead with his own band. Girardot has known Campanelli as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist for years, but seeing other passengers discover those talents for the first time was especially rewarding.
Moon Taxi Brings a Special Guest to the Stardust Theater
Moon Taxi took over the Stardust Theater for one of the evening’s biggest surprises. During the performance, the band welcomed Maggie Rose to the stage for a lively rendition of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” The unexpected collaboration was a highlight for fans, combining Moon Taxi’s energetic live sound with Rose’s appearance for a familiar, crowd-pleasing song.
The Heavy Heavy followed at 7:30 p.m. on the deck stage. The British-American duo brought its retro-inspired rock and soulful harmonies to the outdoor setting, with the performance led by a singer dressed in a flowing white outfit that fit the band’s dreamy, vintage aesthetic.
Their set moved through songs including “Parakeels,” “One of a Kind,” “Lemonade,” “Man of the Hills,” “Miracle Sun,” and “Cherry.” “All My Dreams” stretched into an extended performance, while “Go Down River,” “Ain’t It a Girl,” “Raindrops,” “Feel,” and “Dirt” kept the crowd engaged. The band also worked in “Real Love Baby,” “Because You’re Mine,” “Happiness,” and “Miles & Miles,” rounding out a set that balanced its more laid-back moments with plenty of upbeat energy.
A Luau Birthday Party and a Night of Dancing
The evening’s theme was a luau, giving passengers and performers an excuse to trade their usual concert attire for tropical touches. The celebration also recognized birthdays for three members of The Revivalists: PJ Howard, George Gekas, and Andrew Campanelli. With leis, island-inspired outfits, and a festive atmosphere throughout the ship, the theme added a little extra personality to an already busy night.
At 8 p.m., George Gekas took the stage in the Bliss Lounge for a set of his own. Known for his work as the Revivalists’ bassist, Gekas stepped into the spotlight with a collection of songs and covers, including material from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and other artists. He was joined by fellow Revivalists Ed Williams, Michael Girardot, and PJ Howard, turning the performance into another opportunity for the musicians to play together outside their usual roles.
The set included “Memories Fade,” “Someday,” “Never There,” “Don’t Forget Me,” “Keep Me Hanging On,” “Deal,” and “Bodhisattva,” among other selections. The informal setting and rotating lineup made the performance feel more like a gathering among friends than a traditional headlining show.
Gekas shared his appreciation for the experience, describing the cruise as an opportunity to see years of work and relationships come together in one place.
“This cruise has been an absolute dream,” he said. “It’s been something special to see all the work we’ve put in over the years come together out here on the water.”
He also thanked the fans and fellow artists who have helped create the community surrounding the band, adding that he looked forward to seeing where they would take it together.
Over in the Stardust Theater at 8:30 p.m., New York City trio Say She She brought a completely different sound to the evening. Their disco-influenced grooves and layered harmonies quickly turned the theater into a dance floor. The group’s upbeat performance gave passengers another reason to stay out and enjoy the night before the main event.
The Revivalists Take the Deck Stage for Luau Night
At 10 p.m., The Revivalists returned to the deck stage for their headline performance. Staying with the evening’s theme, the band members took the stage wearing sailor hats and leis, adding a playful touch to the night. The festive look was a fitting match for a performance that included familiar favorites, newer material, and several special guests.
The band opened with “Kid” and “When I Got You,” followed by “Change” and “Holy.” They also worked in “Get It Honest,” a track from their new album, alongside “Keep Going,” “When I’m With You,” and “Oh No.”
One of the night’s standout collaborations came during “Down in the Dirt,” when Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes joined the band. The guest appearance was another example of how the cruise created opportunities for musicians to share the stage beyond their scheduled performances.
The Revivalists continued with “Soulfight,” “Lost and Found,” “Razorblades,” and “Love’s the Only Thing.” Maggie Rose then joined the group for “9 to 5,” a Dolly Parton tribute that brought another artist into the band’s set. The performance continued with “Souls Too Loud,” “BTBD,” and “Criminal,” before closing with “It Was a Sin.”
By the time the band wrapped up, Day 3 had delivered a little bit of everything: a day exploring Nassau, a sailaway soundtrack, intimate performances, unexpected guest appearances, a disco dance party, and a tropical birthday celebration. The schedule also highlighted one of the defining features of Otherside of Paradise at Sea: the chance to see musicians step outside their usual roles and connect with one another in a relaxed setting.
With several days still remaining, the cruise had already established its own rhythm. Passengers were no longer simply moving from one concert to the next. They were sharing the experience with the artists, discovering new sides of familiar performers, and becoming part of a floating music community that was growing with every stop and every set.