Adding a Little Soul to the Adult Twilight BYOB Cruises

Jenn Burns is one of our newest additions to the live entertainment on our Adult Twilight BYOB Cruises. Adding a little soul to the Adult Twilight BYOB Cruises, singer/guitarist Jenn Burns is a wonderful mixture of talent, soul, and compassion.

Growing up

Her passion with performing began as a young child in Southern Florida. Seeing how much joy this brought her, Jenn’s parents enrolled her in an elementary school focused on the performing arts. Here she focused on acting until the age of 11 when they moved to Amelia Island.

“It was a cultural shock when I moved from a big city to a tiny island.  No traffic and noise at night, I had trouble sleeping.  I was actually allowed to play outside at night, that was definitely not allowed in the city!”

It was here on Amelia Island that Jenn began exploring her musical abilities. Her love of performing quickly incorporated singing and playing musical instruments.

“I took voice lessons in church at a young age and learned to read music and play instruments in school.  I joined every single singing and music group I could, in school and church, and even competed all over the state singing in trios, quartets, and choirs. Competed with my school in band competitions that included sight reading and capabilities and music knowledge.  All of that experience at a young age helped me to overcome stage fright and realize my dreams of being a performer.”

Adding a Little Soul to the Adult Twilight BYOB Cruises

Now in her mid-30’s, Jenn has found her niche focusing on guitar and vocals. She describes her style as soulful, one that “you can only learn from a southern church.” And loves to find a song that speaks to her then put her own spin on it.

“My early influences were 90’s Mariah Carey, 90’s Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raite, Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse.

I play a lot of fan favorites, such as: All About That Bass, Wagon Wheel, and Chain of Fools.  But I try to change it up and learn new songs all the time. This helps to keep my show fresh, to give the people what they want, and it’s fun to try new things!”

And there isn’t much she shies away from! Jenn rehearses five times a week. She practices solo and with multiple different musical organizations: The Big Band, a 22-piece big band Crescendo Amelia and Bay Kings Band, who perform at weddings and corporate events.

“I go to a studio and practice with musician friends that I also play in another band with, and we record there as well.”

But it’s not all business. Jenn and her fellow musicians make sure that playing music is always fun and doesn’t take away time from their friends and families.

“We cook food and bring our families and even our dogs, and jam out for a few hours.”

Jenn finds that playing with other professional musicians is a great way to expand upon her skill set.  She believes that you can always learn something new from someone else. Whether that be a new musical rift or how to handle the stressors of being on tour.

“I once was invited to travel with Bullet For My Valentine, Three Days Grace, and Avenged Sevenfold.  I got to sleep on the tour bus and go on stage, and backstage during performances, and even watch how they set up and break down large sets for celebrity bands.  It was an amazing experience and made me really want this.”

Performing

Over the years Jenn has performed all over Northeast Florida. She opened for Zach Deputy and has performed at many festivals, including the 2016 New Years Shrimp Drop in Fernandina. Jenn plays regularly at: Salt Life, Fernandina; both farmers markets on Amelia Island; The Wine Bar, Jacksonville Beach; Island Girl Cigar Bar, Ponte Vedra; and The Clara White Mission at the Cathedral, Downtown Jacksonville.

The Clara White Mission is bi monthly volunteer performance supporting an organization that Jenn holds close to her heart.

“While I volunteer every other week, this is actually a weekly public luncheon that is put on by culinary students. They cook a buffet style meal with soup/salad, entree, and dessert.  You can buy a ticket and proceeds go to the Clara White Mission. They work in partnership with the community to prevent and reduce homelessness through advocacy, housing, job training, and employment. I chose to volunteer my time here because it is a worthy cause, focused on bringing support and awareness to Jacksonville’s homeless. Jacksonville has provided me with so many opportunities and support throughout my career. It’s important for me to give back and help my community.”

Amelia River Cruises

Performing on Amelia River Cruises’ Adult BYOB Twilight Cruises is definitely a different atmosphere than Jenn typically performs. It’s one thing being up on stage performing in front of a large audience and another entirely being out on a boat surrounded by nature.

“Performing on Amelia River Cruises BYOB Twilight Cruise is such an intimate, calm setting. It is one that I love sharing with Amelia River Cruises’ guests. I would have to say my favorite part of the cruise is when my music draws the dolphins to the boat. They are beautiful creatures to witness in their natural habitat and its so heartwarming to watch the amazement in visitors’ faces. Especially when the dolphins have babies. Their mama’s love to show them off. Its spectacular to witness!”

Come Watch Her Perform!

Jenn’s upcoming performances on our Adult BYOB Twilight Cruises are:

• August 31th
• October 12^th
• October 26^th

If you would like to check out Jenn in concert click here to book a cruise with us.

To keep in contact with her or to learn more about her upcoming shows reach out to her on Jenn’s Facebook page.

And be sure to tag Amelia River Cruises in your posts using #ameliarivercruises

Categorised in: Cruises & Events, Our Staff