The journey never ends

A lost friend leaves a voice mail…
Someone responds to a Facebook post…
A couple walks into a restaurant…
A friend sends a text message…

You never know when something that seems so insignificant, will completely change your life.

After not visiting the Virgin Islands for 30 years, Jaguar now has been back 3 times in a little over a year. It’s crazy how something that seems so impossible can somehow become real.

At the end of the trip we realized that together we did something great. And we did it with people we love. We will forever be best friends. It was never perfect. But Jaguar has always been about passion not perfection. We will hold this experience in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

Jaguar has so many people to thank. These people were a huge part of making this trip possible. We keep meeting the nicest most gracious people. It’s why we are so drawn to this magical place.

And special thanks to the Virgin Islands for once again giving us so much more then we could ever give back.

Until next time…..

The last ray of sunshine

Today we packed our bags and flew back to where ever we call home. It was the end of our trip, the end of our journey and the end of another chapter of the story. The story of a band called Jaguar. We all arrived separately. Then we came together and became a band one more time. Collectively we did something great.

This place always amazes us with beauty in it’s imperfections.
It’s tranquility in it’s chaos.
It’s left side of the road is somehow the right side.
It’s 50 shades of blue.
It’s never stops surprising us even after 30 years.
That’s why we can’t stop coming back.

It’s always a life changing experience. Thank you St. Thomas. Thank you St. John. Don’t ever change. See you next time.

Another day with you

Today was our last full day on St. Thomas. One last day together.

Debra, Chris, Jason, Michelle and I went downtown to see the sights and do some shopping. Rick and Dave decided to stay at the Casa de Jaguar for a day of chillaxing.

Our first stop was Zora’s Sandals. Debra was scheduled to pick up her custom made sandals. Chris was so impressed with the quality and craftsmanship he ordered his own pair. Spending time with Zora was priceless. She has been making her sandals since 1962 and is truly a local legend.

We then headed to St. Thomas’ world famous jewelry stores. Chris and Jason somehow quickly found a hidden craft brew house. The Taphus Beer House was just what the doctor ordered for Jason and Chris, the weary shoppers. The reviews were 5 stars from Chris the beer connoisseur.

Fish tacos for lunch at the Side Street Pub then a quick trip back to Zora’s for Chris’ second fitting and we were on our way back to Casa de Jaguar.

We had our last supper. One last meal together and an opportunity to reflect on our ten days together. It was a great way to discuss the most recent chapter of the Jaguar story. Chef Rick’s meal knocked it out of the park.

Debra and I decided to spend a quiet nite at home while everyone else went to the Smoking Rooster for another amazing nite of local musicians hosted by Andy Easton.

Come with me…. to the sea

We came to the Caribbean to play music. Today we got to sail, swim and snorkel the Caribbean. We are living the dream day by day.

Ryan Diehl of the charter company Sail With Liberty hosted Jaguar (minus Rick and his broken foot) for a day sail. We were lucky enough to sail with Ryan last January. We were so happy he was available this year. Chris and Jason know Ryan from we he was a famous drummer in the Baltimore / Washington area. Now he a famous drummer / boat captain in the Caribbean. How cool is that?

We made it to American Yacht Harbor by 10 AM and was introduced to Ryan’s new catamaran Justice. It was Spectacular. We sailed in and around St. Thomas and St. John. We swam with turtles, stingrays, groupers and other assorted Caribbean fish.

Ryan gave us a once in a lifetime memory for the second time. In one word it was breathtaking.

We made it back to Casa de Jaguar where Rick had been working on his famous spaghetti sauce. We ate together and relived our wonderful day. We then spent the evening by the pool discussing other life changing experiences.

Sleep tight St. Thomas.

Super Bowl Sun Day

We do not get to spend Super Bowl Sunday in the Caribbean very often. But when we do it is special.

Chris, Debra and I started the day by taking Rick to the hospital. Yesterday, while playing Working for the Weekend (Chris’ favorite song) at the Sapphire Beach Bar Rick rolled his foot. I offered to end the set. He insisted on finishing the last 3 songs on one foot. This included the 8 minute Kashmir. He definitely manned up and took one for the team. It turns out and he actually broke a bone in his foot. He got crutches, a walking boot and medication and was ready to go.

We had been invited to play the Tim West Band - All Star Beach Jam at the Sapphire Beach Bar as a special guest. What a great way to spend the day celebrating with the unbelievably talented local musicians and our special friends.

But first, some pre-show beach time and snorkeling. I know right?

Then it was a quick encore Jaguar performance.

We played our final 3 songs of our trip.

It was a blast. Rick sang from a chair like Dave Grohl. He crushed it.

Just 3 songs… and like that…. Jaguar’s music was over.

We then headed back to Casa De Jaguar for the big game. It was another great way to end another great day.

Jaguar plays an engagement

February 1, 2020. Jaguar played Sapphire Beach Bar and we crushed it.
End of story……
Well almost.

It was a beautiful day for singing, dancing and romancing. Jaguar played it’s final full show in front of many, many friends. It was wonderful seeing so many people that we have gotten to know over the years. It was even better meeting so many new people. And we got to spend an afternoon playing music on Sapphire Beach. I know right?

Set 1 Set 2
Whiter Shade of Pale Whole Lotta Love
Domino (original) What I Like About You
Get Ready Day Tripper
No Matter What Can't Get Enough
Stay With Me D'yer Maker
Ticket to Ride Hard to Handle
Low Rider Some Kinda Wonderful
I Want You to Want Me American Girl
Alright Now Working For The Weekend
Long Cool Woman / Bang a Gong
Tainted Love
  Wild Nights
  Kashmir

This will go down as one of the all time best shows in the crazy history of Jaguar.
A big fat shout out to everyone that helped us and everyone that came to see us.
It was a blast and Jaguar cannot wait to do it again.

After the show, as we were packing up our gear and making our rounds thanking everyone for coming to see us…. I ran into Chris’ friend Bags. He is a fireman and works with Chris near Washington DC. Bags was planning on taking a vacation with his beautiful girlfriend Pam and asked Chris for recommendations. Chris told him about Jaguar and our shows in the Virgin Islands. Bags and Pam had never experienced the beauty that is the Caribbean. So with Chris’ help, the travel plans were made.

Sexy Chris Sellman, Aaron “Bags” Baginsky and Pam McCallum

So I said to Bags…”Hey Bags, are you leaving?” He said “no man… we just got engaged!”

WHAT?

He told me that he knew today was going to be special so he brought the engagement ring to Sapphire Beach.
Wow!

And so it was….. Bags and Pam….. written in sand

Jaguar plays it’s first engagement party!
We can’t think of two nicer people to be part of the Jaguar story. It was a beautiful ending to an unforgettable day.

Life truly does not get any better than this….

What’s up beaches?

Today we celebrated the end of Jagu-ary by spending the day on one of the Caribbean’s best beaches. After Deb, Chris, Rick and I made a quick trip to the grocery store…(in case you were wondering, paradise ain’t cheap) Rick made us another wonderful breakfast. We then loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly. Just kidding. We went to the world famous Megans Bay. It was perfect. Just perfect. We have reached the midpoint of our trip and it was a great way to spend time together. It was a day to relax, recharge and rejuvenate.

After our allotted beach time (one can only can take perfection for so long) we headed up to Mountain Top. A lot of souvenir shopping and banana daiquiris were on the agenda. OK, a lot of banana daiquiris and a couple of souvenirs. What a hoot! Apparently drunk shopping is a thing here.

We then drove the long and winding road back to Casa de Jaguar. It was Rick’s home made chili for dinner and brownies for dessert. We then spent the evening in the hot tub and in the pool. It was the only way to end a perfect day.

Jaguar’s St. John encore!

We had such a great time playing last night on St. John after so long. The Beach Bar was off the hook! We couldn’t believe we get to do it one more time. Everyone that we have met have been so incredibly gracious. We now remember why we love this place so much.

We all slept in after a long day and an even longer night. We took the 5 o’clock ferry to St. John. After we set up Dave and Rick did another wonderful unplugged set of classic rock songs. Most of the songs were by request. Everyone was very happy.

Jaguar then played two sets of classic rock done our own special way. We watched people dance and sing all night long. It was really, really fun. The islands have a way bringing out the fun in everyone. At the end of the night we had to say goodbye to the great people at the Beach Bar. Reed Compton has done an amazing job in every aspect. We really didn’t want to leave. So St. John we will have to say see you soon.

Set 1 Set 2
Back In The USVI Whiter Shade of Pale
Get Ready Whole Lotta Love
No Matter What What I Like About You
Day Tripper Rock U Up
Don't Stop Believing Stay With Me
American Girl Hard to Handle
Ticket to Ride Can't Get Enough
Low Rider Some Kinda Wonderful
I Want You to Want Me Working for the Weekend
Alright Now Long Cool Woman / Bang a Gong
  Tainted Love
  D'yer Maker

Beautiful people in beautiful places

Today is the day Jaguar plays St. John for the first time in over 30 years. Specifically we are playing the world famous Beach Bar located in the heart of Cruz Bay on St, John. A lot of time and Category 5 hurricanes have passed. Needless to say we have been staring at this date for a long time.

Dave, Debra, Rick and I started the day by taking the 12 o’clock ferry to St. John to play for the seniors of Cruz Bay. The senior center is still rebuilding from the last pair of hurricanes, so we met at the Housing, Park and Recreation Center. We met so many beautiful people. We played songs, told stories, and shared a lot of sunshine.

We came to these magical islands in 1989 and it changed our lives. We always hoped that someday we could say thank you. Abigail Hendricks and her staff helped make that happen. This moment will be the highlight of our trip.

When we were done, Dave took the next ferry back to St. Thomas. Debra and I took Rick on a tour to show him the wonderful uniqueness of St. John. Or as my wife likes to call it…. shopping!

The band came over on the 5 o’clock ferry. We set up and started our show at 7 PM. Dave and Rick started the show with a couple of acoustic songs. It was a wonderful way to start the evening. Jaguar then played 2 sets of our special brand of classic rock. We had a great time and Reed Compton and his Beach Bar staff were amazing. It was so wonderful playing St. John again. In many ways we never left.

Set 1

Set 2
Whiter Shade of Pale Moby Dick
Get Ready Kashmir
No Matter What Day Tripper
Ready for Love What I Like About You
Can't Get Enough American Girl
D'yer Maker Hard to Handle
I Want You To Want Me Working For The Weekend
Low Rider Long Cool Woman / Bang a Gong
Alright Now Tainted Love
Whole Lotta Love

Practice, are we talking about practice?

We woke up to our first morning in the Virgin Islands. The word for the day….. spectacular. We started the day with an amazing breakfast from chef Rick. His culinary skills almost equal his vocal talent. Unless you’re starving. Then he’s a way better cook!

Wake up call for Jason Heiser, wake up call for Jason….

Wake up call for Jason Heiser, wake up call for Jason….

On the schedule today was practice. And after practice, more practice, followed by a little more practice. When this longitude meets this latitude, there is no complaining. Just blue skies and sunshine.

We took several breaks to bask in the Caribbean sunshine and all that is Jaguar. It’s hard to describe this process as work. It’s not. The good news is we got this. Especially since Dave is going to yell “3, 4” when we get lost.

Deb went to Charlotte Amalie to meet Zora. She is a legend. She is over 80 years old and she has been making custom sandals on the island since 1962. Deb got to meet her and spend quality time with her. She has an appointment to pick up her sandals Thursday afternoon. We will keep you posted.

After practice Dave, Chris, Rick, Jason and Michelle headed to the The Smoking Rooster to hang out with the famous Andy Easton. It was Open Mic Nite featuring some of the islands best local musicians. Dave, Chris, Rick and Jason all took turns playing a wide variety of songs. What a blast! A great way to spend the evening. Hopefully we will get a chance to do it again next week.

Life is a journey

We have arrived.

IMG_4511.jpg

Our feet finally touched the island around 1 PM. Rick, Debra, Dave and I “flew in from Miami Beach….” Chris, Jason and Michelle landed a short time later. Stepping off the plane and seeing the Caribbean sky never gets old. Did I mention the free Cruzan Rum sample bar? Nice touch St. Thomas airport. Nice touch.

Dependable Car Rental gave us the perfect cars for our trip. Bill arranged to have us picked up at the airport. He certainly provided us the rock star treatment.

We drove straight to our house, now and forever known as Casa de Jaguar. We stayed here last trip, and know we have to stay here every time we come back. It is as breathtaking as we remembered.

Keeping with Jaguar tradition, we then headed to Iggies at Bolongo Bay for our first meal. It was here that we introduced Jason to the local favorite beverage, painkiller. It is now Jason’s favorite. The evening was wonderful, as always. It is just a nice way to relax and breath in the island life before the crazy begins.

Our next mission was to stock the house with food and equipment. Chris, Jason and I ventured out to get the rehearsal equipment. Debra, Rick, Jason and Michelle went for the groceries. After lengthy and successful missions, we all met back at the Casa de Jaguar for an evening of hot tub, food, and music. It was a great day with great people. Thank you St. Thomas for a great first day. We can’t wait for tomorrow!

Just when you think it's over..

We are going back to the US Virgin Islands to play music. Again.

It is funny how sometimes you never know what’s going to happen next. But if you surround yourself with the right people, you know it’s going to be a hell of a ride. This time, things will be exactly the same and completely different at the same time. I will be posting daily updates once we arrive.

We do not get to live this dream without the generosity of many people. Jaguar would like to give a big fat shout out to the following people:

  • Reed Compton at The Beach Bar St. John

    Reed has been wonderful. Hopefully he will still like us after he meets us. He spent over 2 years getting the Beach Bar ready for Jaguar. That is really nice. Hopefully we won’t wreck it.

  • Andy Easton
    Andy has been our main contact, our therapist, our inspiration and most importantly our friend. He has supplied most of the equipment for the shows. He is a multi-talented musician that is playing somewhere every night. Please find him if you are visiting St. Thomas or St. John.

  • Collette Grant at Sapphire Beach Bar
    Collette allowed us to play last April at the Sapphire Beach Bar for our 30th reunion. For some reason she is still answering our emails and phone calls. Crazy huh?

  • Christopher Bennent - Alpha Mortgage Advisors
    He gave us a perfect place to spend a week last April. We would not think about returning unless we could stay at his breathtaking house. You can check it out and rent it here

  • Mary Ann Brown
    Mary was our rental property manager last April. She is now our friend. We also elected her our fan club president. Lucky Mary!

  • Nate Lazarchuck
    The musicians on the islands are incredibly generous. Nate is no exception. I got to spend time with Nate in Las Vegas and look forward to hanging out with him during our trip. I don’t think I can let him sit in because then he will take my job. DAMN YOU NATE!

  • Tim West
    Tim plays in the Tim West Band (what a coincidence). He hosts the amazing open mic night at Tickles Dockside Pub every Wednesday night. He also plays every Tuesday night at Bolongo Bay. Please stop in and tell him we said hello.

  • Andrea at the Virgin Island Daily News
    Andrea wrote an article last year about the 30 year return of Jaguar. She helped get the story from the past to the present. We are playing again because of wonderful people like her.

  • Ryan at Sail With Liberty
    Ryan and Chris go way back. Thank god he does not hold it against us. He will be our captain for another all day snorkel and sail. Don’t be hating.

  • Tommy Bronx
    Really sorry for the wake up call. Your drinks are on Jason….. for the rest of your life.