On a Brand g Vacations Atlas cruise, every night is opening night. Our cruises feature Brand g Signature Entertainers to provide quality entertainment throughout the cruise, as well as wonderful hosts to shepard you along through out the trip. We are delighted to have the following cast and crew on this upcoming cruise:
CAST
Ann Hampton Callaway
Ann Hampton Callaway is one of America’s most gifted artists in pop and jazz. A leading champion of the great American Songbook, she’s made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer. Voted by Broadway World as “Celebrity of the Year” and two years in a row as “Best Jazz Vocalist,”. Ann is best known for her Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical “Swing!” and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series “The Nanny.” She made her feature film debut opposite Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon in the Robert De Niro film “The Good Shepherd”.
Ann Hampton Callaway is a Platinum Award selling writer whose songs are featured on seven of Barbra Streisand’s recent CD’s. She’s recorded over 50 CDs as a soloist and guest and her latest critically acclaimed CD “Fever: A Peggy Lee Celebration!” has been in high rotation on Siriusly Sinatra. Ann’s honour’s include The Theatre World Award, 16 MAC Awards, several Bistro Awards, The Mabel Mercer Award, The Johnny Mercer Award for Song writing, The Blanton Peale Award for Positive Thinking and her induction into The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her new record Finding Beauty, Originals Volume 1, is available HERE .
Effie Passero
Brand g is thrilled to welcome back singer/songwriter Effie Passero as a Brand g – Signature Entertainer. Effie, who is classically trained and an accomplished pianist, transcends various music genres. Currently based in Mexico, she hails from Los Angeles and is actively involved in writing musicals and collaborating with artists worldwide when not traveling. Following her appearance on Season 16 of American Idol, Effie’s star has soared, headlining with Post Modern Jukebox globally and making her Carnegie Hall debut in October 2023. If Effie’s voice doesn’t give you goosebumps, you might need a pulse check. As a proud supporter of the LGBT+ community, we are thrilled to have her perform for you. For a hint of her genius click HERE
Ben Papworth
It is wonderful to have Ben back on board a Brand g cruise especially as he has just finished touring as Musical Director of the musical Titanic. So, we are delighted to keep the water theme going – though hope for a happier ending on this sailing. As well as accompanying other artists, Ben will be entertaining us with his fabulous voice and witty banter. Ben is also a sought after singing teacher so now is your chance to shine. You can find out more about Ben HERE
With Special Guest Artist
Meghan Murphy – The Big Red
Brand g is proud to feature Meghan as one of our regular Signature Entertainers, and we’re delighted that she can make a guest appearance on this cruise. Meghan Murphy, a California native, truly knows how to stop the show. Period. In musical theatre, she has taken on lead roles in productions like Spamalot, Rent, Smokey Joe’s Café, Cabaret, and Mama Mia, to name a few.
Known as ‘The Big Red,’ her cabaret performances have dazzled audiences in Chicago, LA, New York, London, Puerto Vallarta, and on many cruise ships worldwide. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and beg for more. Check her out HERE.
CREW
Brian Van Wey
Founder and Co-Owner Brian established Brand g Vacations in 2011 with a vision of delivering quality river cruises. Together with Jeff, he has transformed the company into a renowned brand. As CFO, Brian manages the purse strings but is always ready to splurge for the delight of our guests. In the office, Brian is the yin to Jeff’s yang, but on the high seas, he is the ding to Johnathon’s dong…
Brian has worked in France, Italy, and Switzerland, operating travel programs in over 60 countries. He is thrilled to be your host on this trip.
James Mayo
James Mayo, a veteran project manager with over two decades of corporate experience, found his true harmony in the world of sound design early in his professional career. Since 1995, James has had a role in the arts in some capacity. After graduating from the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences in 2000, James spent seven years as a resident sound designer at a professional theatre company in Salt Lake City. James brings a wealth of technical expertise to the Brand g team.
Based in Utah with his partner Jeremy Takeda, who is also a Brand g Contract Host, James seamlessly blends his professional experience with a passion for travel and the performing arts. Join James on this exciting adventure, where every moment is shared, every memory is cherished, and every destination is celebrated in the company of like-minded friends.
Johnathon Gallagher
With his extensive experience as a member of Brand g’s original team and as the Director of Operations, Johnathon is well-equipped to ensure that your trip is an unforgettable experience. He possesses excellent organizing, cruising, and hosting skills. Keep an eye out for his twin sister Maissie Dubois, who occasionally joins in to elevate the party atmosphere.
Johnathon, along with Eric Poole, the Director of Marketing, has been hosting the Brand g Vacations podcast since 2021. Tune in to over 25 episodes on Apple Podcasts to get the latest updates on upcoming trips, gay travel tips, and enjoy entertaining conversations with guests and entertainers all available on Apple Podcasts
Jeremy Takeda
ACTIVITIES
Although the focus of our cruises is mainly on sightseeing and socializing, we do like to mix in a bit of frivolity as well. With that in mind, we’re planning a themed party during the cruise including a welcome party and T-Dance. If you should choose to participate, great; if you’d rather just be a voyeur, that is totally fine as well.
Join us onboard for:
Show Tunes at Sea – Enjoy a cocktail whilst we embark on a musical journey with the captivating sounds of Show Tunes at Sea.
T Dance – “Vi kings, Vi queens” – Experience the excitement of a Viking-themed costume party, where you can dress up as fierce warriors and their captivating women. Will you be a fierce seafaring Scandanavian who raided and pirated throughout Europe using your Long Boat? Or indeed be a Viking Queen, shield Maiden or downtrodden skivvy…