HIGH WAISTED AT SEA: THE FINAL CHAPTER

It was the perfect Friday night to be outside – the temperature had finally cooled down a bit and there wasn’t a freak thunderstorm in sight. The sun was shining and the waves were rocking and the Art Boat – a tye dye rainbow straight out of an acid-trip dream – was ready to set sail for the 5th and final High Waisted at Sea boat cruise extravaganza.

High Waisted At Sea

I knew it was going to be a magical night because it’s never a dull night with the High Waisted crew. These local surf rockers really know how to throw a party. In one corner of the boat there was a ball pit reminiscent of a mini version of what you might find at a Chuck E Cheese. In another corner was a photo booth to commemorate the debauchery that was likely to occur. Giant blow-up whale and unicorn floaties were utilized as photo-ops and places to lounge on.

High Waisted At Sea

The boat was filled with beautiful people dressed in neon, glitter, rhinestones, spandex, sailor attire, bathing suits and anything remotely ocean-themed. Some standout costumes included a deep sea diver, a guy in a rainbow romper with a mohawk that somehow withstood the entire evening, and High Waisted’s badass queen, Jess Dye’s first costume of the night – “Shrimp on the Barbie.”

High Waisted At Sea

Giant trash cans filled to the brim of White Claw – one of the sponsors of the evening – were sprinkled throughout the boat for party-goers to fuel their depravity. Joining the party as musical guests, were Brooklyn-based punk trio, Thick – who every time I see doesn’t disappoint – and indie rock band Grits – whose energy I instantly fell in love with.

Grits

THICK

This party wouldn’t be complete without a drag performance and Nicky Ottav brought out the diva. Her “mega mix” of songs included “Crazy” by Britney Spears, “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child, “Cool for the Summer” by Demi Lovato and, obviously, Titanic’s epically romantic hit, “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion.

Nicky Ottav

As the crowd anxiously awaiting High Waisted to take the boat’s stage, notes from The Champs’ famous song, “Tequilia,” started floating through the lower deck. A person playing what I think was a mellophone, weaved through the crowd followed by Jess and friends with bottles of tequila to pour into the crowds graciously receiving mouths.

High Waisted

High Waisted’s set was, like usual, out of this world. Not only did their incredible talent shine through but they’re such amazing performers. They had the help of back-up dancers in lobster costumes, a personal confetti thrower in the from row of the crowd making sure everyone in the band and the stage were fully adorned in sparkles, and a bubble machine to create the perfect party atmosphere.

High Waisted

The set rightfully ended with the B-52s track “Love Shack” – a song about a place where people of all walks of life could come together to enjoy the groove and let go – much like the cruise was for everyone there that night. More bags of confetti were passed around to the crowd and the lobsters and members of Thick joined the band on stage to rage one last time.