Denise Lafferty: "I can't believe that it's been almost 5 months since my last Lovehammers show, New Year's Eve in Chicago, where I not only got to enjoy a great show, but hang with some of the many friends I've made because of the band.

So I was really looking forward to seeing this show and catching up with old friends and making new ones. And I was thrilled when I was chosen to attend the photoshoot with the band and allowed to bring one of the friends I'd never had a chance to meet in person before, Palari, who came all the way from New Zealand for the show.

With her, I got to re-experience meeting the band for the very first time. And the guys were great. They were warm and relaxed and seemed to be having as much fun as we were, as we all roamed the boat looking for the best picture taking spots. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed down by the paddle wheel, but we did go in the engine room and various parts of the deck. They even sang to us! It was great!

Thanks so much to the gang at the Org for making it possible."

Shannon Cowfer: "What can I say about my experience at the concert...it was fantastic. We started out the night doing the photo shoot, and the guys were as nice and as genuine as ever. They were gracious enough to let us stare and melt a little bit first, and then we got down to business. Last time I met them I could not seem to connect my mouth and my brain, but happily this time I was pretty much in full control of myself. I didn't have any outbursts or sudden declerations of my love or anything anyway. Marty played a song for us as we started to take pictures, and then we moved to a couple of different places on the boat. We ended up down by the engines, and got to chat for a bit before the boys were off to the sound check...I was a happy girl, and really ready to hear some music by then.

So, the concert...

One of the things I love about the Lovehammers is their ability to connect with the audience. It wasn’t one of those shows where Marty was jumping all over the stage, but the energy was high throughout the night, lighthearted even. Marty and Dino talked a lot between the songs, and there were moments where I kind of felt like we were all just friends hanging out together. The band sounded great as usual, and we got to hear some of their older songs, to include Starlight Lady which really made me happy. They also played Sleeper, which is one of my personal favorites. I wish I would have written down the set list or something, but I suppose I didn’t care what they played, I was just happy to be there. They also looked great ( as you can see from the pictures), but that is no surpise, right? After they took a short break, Marty came out alone and did two new songs which I can only describe as enchanting…he described them as a little sad, but I didn’t really see them that way, at least I should say I took something different away from them. By the time they got to the end of the show, they realized they forgot to play Trees (a little too much "apple juice" maybe?) and launched into it as we all sang along. It was a great ending.

This was my third show, and the more I see them the more I fall in love with them. I can’t wait for the next show..."

Tricia G: "Wow, what a weekend. I'd like to thank Marty for allowing us to do the photo shoot. I was so excited and a bit nervous but it was a thrill for me and an experience I'll never forget.

The guys were so sweet and we really enjoyed ourselves and we loved the little acoustic show during the shoot. Marty had some great ideas and we just followed him around the boat and snapped away. My friend, Rachel, was with me who was a huge help.

I got to see old friends and meet new ones thanks to MC.org. The show was amazing as it had so much energy for an acoustic show. Hats off to the band for giving all of us another great performance.

I'd also like to thank the organizers of this event. They did an awesome job putting this cruise together. You couldn't have asked for a better weekend."

Palari: "What are you doing at 6.30 tomorrow night Palari?" Denise asked me.

"I don't know" I replied, "probably getting my act together to go to the show".

"Wanna come on the boat with me and take pictures of the band?"

"squeee!!!" (which is fangirlish for "Oh yes please, oh my god...me? really?")

And that is how come I found myself, heart pounding fit to burst, hands shaking as they clutched my Konica Minolta, in the presence of Lovehammers. Somehow I managed to keep it together, I still don't know how but maybe it is because those guys are so easy to be around...they made it easy.

Denise introduced me to Marty and he said "Oh you're palari!" and wrapped me in a great big hug. I spent the rest of the session padding around on cloud nine.

Apparently I took some pictures too.

Katherine: "The show was a blast! It was so cool to be able to hear so many new songs and older songs at the show. Caribbean Ultrasound was lots of fun too. Thank you to the guys for always making each show better than the last."