Nerds Ahoy: A Boat Full Of Fun And Adventure

The JoCo Cruise is an annual gathering for fans of singer-songwriter Jonathan Coulton, science fiction, and games with many-sided dice. The cruise, which was in its ninth year in 2019, features music from performers such as Coulton and Jim Boggia, talks from novelists, stand-up comics, journalists, and even an astrophysicist. The cruise caters to a broad range of interests, including board games, tech, crafts, cosplay, and various fandoms.

The JoCo Cruise, an annual gathering for fans of sci-fi, games, and Jonathan Coulton

The JoCo Cruise is an annual gathering for fans of science fiction, games, and the musician Jonathan Coulton. The cruise, which has been going strong for over nine years, is a celebration of all things nerdy and provides a space for people to explore and embrace their passions and hobbies.

The event typically takes place on a chartered ship, accommodating around 1700-2000 attendees, and lasts for a week. It features a variety of activities and entertainment, including musical performances, expert panels, comedy showcases, gaming, crafting, and self-produced guest-run programming. The cruise attracts a diverse range of participants, from families and friends to solo adventurers, all united by their shared interests.

One of the highlights of the JoCo Cruise is the opportunity to see and hear Jonathan Coulton, the singer-songwriter for whom the cruise is named. Coulton is known for his quirky, funny, and often touching songs that explore geeky themes. In addition to Coulton, the cruise has featured other notable performers, such as Jim Boggia, Paul Sabourin, and Aimee Mann.

The cruise also caters to fans of science fiction and fantasy, with novelists giving talks, stand-up comics providing laughs, and journalists offering insights. There are even late-night lectures by astrophysicists, exploring topics like the end of the universe. The event embraces a wide range of interests, including board games, technology, crafts, cosplay, and various fandoms.

The JoCo Cruise is more than just a gathering of nerds; it's a community that fosters connections and celebrates differences. With more scheduled programming hours than there are in a week, the event ensures that everyone finds something that matches their enthusiasm and interests. Whether you're a reader, gamer, crafter, music lover, or cosplayer, the JoCo Cruise offers a unique and inclusive experience that combines entertainment and community-building on the high seas.

Performers include singer-songwriter Jonathan Coulton, Jim Boggia, and Paul Sabourin

The JoCo Cruise is an annual gathering for fans of singer-songwriter Jonathan Coulton, science fiction, and games with many-sided dice. The cruise, now in its ninth year, was started by Coulton in 2011. It has attracted high-profile performers such as Rachel Bloom, Aimee Mann, Josh Gondelman, They Might Be Giants, and Wil Wheaton, among others.

The cruise features performances by Coulton and other musicians, talks by novelists, stand-up comedy, and lectures by journalists and astrophysicists. Most of the performers are what Felicia Day, the actor and writer, calls “situationally famous”, meaning they are not recognised on the street but are superstars at places like Comic-Con and on the internet.

Among the performers at the 2019 cruise were Jim Boggia and Paul Sabourin. Boggia has been winning over fans, critics, contemporaries, and luminaries for more than 20 years with his nostalgic and emotionally direct songs. He is known for his tribute to Bruce Springsteen, which he accompanies by playing the ukulele. At the 2019 JoCo Cruise, Boggia performed 'When You Wish Upon a Star' on the ukulele, inviting the audience to sing along.

Paul Sabourin is one half of the comedic musical duo Paul and Storm, the other half being Greg "Storm" DiCostanzo. They are known for their humorous songs about geek culture and for amassing an internet fanbase. They have toured regularly with Jonathan Coulton, singing backup vocals for a number of his songs. Coulton has also appeared on stage to do backup for Paul and Storm's songs. They have released four studio albums, including "Opening Band", "News to Us", "Gumbo Pants", and "Do You Like Star Wars?".

The cruise features talks from novelists, stand-up comics, journalists, and an astrophysicist

The JoCo Cruise is an annual gathering for fans of science fiction and fantasy, games with many-sided dice, and the musician Jonathan Coulton. The cruise features a range of talks and performances from various acts, including novelists, stand-up comics, journalists, and an astrophysicist.

The novelists on board provide insightful and entertaining discussions, delving into their creative processes, world-building techniques, and the inspiration behind their beloved characters. They explore the realms of science fiction and fantasy, captivating their audience with tales of alternate realities, futuristic visions, and magical adventures. These talks offer a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with their favourite authors, gain behind-the-scenes insights, and satisfy their curiosity about the writing process.

Stand-up comics bring laughter to the high seas with their unique brand of humour. Their sets cater to the diverse interests of the audience, incorporating references to nerd culture, sci-fi tropes, and the quirks of the geek community. With their witty observations and clever punchlines, these comedians create an atmosphere of hilarity, ensuring that the cruise is filled with as many laughs as there are waves.

Journalists also take to the stage, offering a more factual but no less engaging perspective. They share their experiences reporting on a wide range of topics, from the latest technological advancements to the impact of fandoms on popular culture. Their talks provide a glimpse into the world of journalism, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of their profession, and perhaps even offering insights into the inner workings of the media industry.

One of the most anticipated events of the cruise is the late-night lecture by an astrophysicist. Under the starry sky, the scientist captivates the audience with a thought-provoking exploration of the universe's end and its deepest mysteries. From the Big Bang to black holes, from the nature of time to the possibility of extraterrestrial life, the astrophysicist takes the audience on a journey through space and time, sparking curiosity, wonder, and a deeper understanding of the cosmos.

Together, these diverse speakers and performers create an enriching and entertaining programme that caters to the varied interests of the 2,000 nerds on board, making the JoCo Cruise a memorable and magical experience for all.

The event caters to interests in board games, tech, crafts, cosplay, and fandoms

The JoCo Cruise is an annual gathering for 2,000 lovers of science fiction, board games, tech, crafts, cosplay, and fandoms. The event is named after singer-songwriter Jonathan Coulton, who writes quirky, funny, and often touching songs that play off geeky themes.

The cruise caters to a wide range of interests and passions. For those who love board games, there are games with many-sided dice. Tech enthusiasts can enjoy talks by journalists and even a lecture by an astrophysicist on how and when the universe could end. Craft lovers can take part in activities such as cosplay, and fans of science fiction and fantasy can listen to talks by novelists. There is also a range of entertainment provided by stand-up comics and musicians.

One of the highlights of the cruise is the opening concert, which in 2019, faced several challenges, including technical difficulties and a performer losing their voice. Despite this, the show went on, with performers and passengers coming together to create a memorable and unique experience.

The JoCo Cruise attracts a community of fans who appreciate the quirky and geeky themes explored in Coulton's music. His songs often draw on themes from popular culture, such as zombies and mad scientists. Coulton's music has also been featured in video games, further solidifying his popularity within the nerd community.

The event is a celebration of all things nerdy and provides a space for like-minded individuals to come together and indulge in their passions. With a variety of activities and entertainment, the JoCo Cruise offers something for everyone, ensuring that the 2,000 nerds on the boat have an unforgettable experience.

Jonathan Coulton's songs include Re: Your Brains and Skullcrusher Mountain

The JoCo Cruise is an annual gathering for fans of sci-fi, games with many-sided dice, and the musician Jonathan Coulton. The cruise is named after Coulton, who writes quirky, funny, and often touching songs that play off geeky themes. Coulton's songs "Re: Your Brains" and "Skullcrusher Mountain" are perfect examples of his unique style.

"Re: Your Brains" is an office zombie memo, with a guy who works in the office down the hall now being a zombie. "Skullcrusher Mountain," on the other hand, is a mad scientist love song. It is a parody of romantic pop songs, with a lovelorn suitor who is a mad scientist supervillain. The song is known for its upbeat melody and melancholy choral harmonies, which are conventional signs of romantic longing. The lyrics include references to the scientist's abduction, gene-splicing, and apocalypse-generating seduction tactics.

"Skullcrusher Mountain" is the second track on Coulton's second album, "Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow." It was originally written as part of John Hodgman's Little Gray Books Lecture #21, "How To Measure Misunderstood Genius." The song is one of Coulton's most regularly played at his concerts, and he occasionally has the audience sing along with the chorus. The half-monkey, half-pony monster in the song has inspired many fan creations, including the Travels of Code Monkey 2, where a toy "Ponkey" is mailed from fan to fan and photographed around the world.

The song has also made appearances in various media, including the web-based collaborative fictional TV series Shadow Unit and the MMORPG AdventureQuest Worlds, where there is a level named Skullcrusher Mountain. In addition, a portion of the song is used as the intro/outro of Robert J. Defendi's free audiobook Death by Cliche. "Skullcrusher Mountain" is available for purchase as an individual track or as part of the Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow album.

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