Jan. 21, 2003 - Before joining Tony Orlando & the Lefty Brothers at the end of 2003, Toni spent time cruising the Caribbean with a changing cast of hit Nashville songwriters in a series of floating seminars organized by Entertainment & Travel Alternatives. In 2002, ETA president Steve Wallach, along with Toni and her husband, Allan Rinde, brainstormed what they hoped would be the ultimate oldies cruise. The event would feature three of the true rockin' hit 60's groups: The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, The Boxtops & The Buckinghams. Unfortunately, the Turtles dropped out, but the cruise was a raging success anyway. ETA also runs an annual, always sold out, Bluegrass cruise, along with a full schedule of Bring Your Own Bike motorcycle cruises.

all photos below by Allan Rinde

Toni shares a laugh with ETA President Steve Wallach at the Welcome Aboard Party

Wallach chats with Boxtops guitarist and fellow Nashville resident Gary Talley

Toni on stage for the first of her two solo shows

Toni lends some background vocals to Jack Keller, one of her early mentors. Keller, who wrote hits for Bobby Vee, Connie Francis, The Chordettes & The Everly Brothers, as well as the theme to "Bewitched," sadly passed away in 2005.

Toni's joined on stage by Boxtop/Big Star frontman Alex Chilton. One of the most memorable musical moments on the cruise was witnessed by few - Toni & Alex dueting on some favorite unknown songs in the ship's lounge after the show.

Toni returned the favor by joining the Boxtops for their set. The band's earliest hits, produced by Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham, were cut in Memphis' American Recording Studios, owned by her ex husband Chips Moman.

Toni on stage with the Buckinghams.

  Along with the Oldies Cruise, ETA also hosted the first of what has become a full schedule of Motorcycle cruises. These two bikers went home with a rare souvenir: Jack Keller's handwritten lyrics to "Bewitched." Yes, there are lyrics to "Bewitched!"