Durango Blues Train: June Lineup Announced, Tickets On Sale

11 Feb Durango Blues Train: June Lineup Announced, Tickets On Sale

The Durango Blues Train happens twice every summer. This summer the event takes place June 1 and June 2 and again August 17 and August 18. Blues Train tickets go on sale Tuesday, February 13, 2018. Tickets are $119 per person per night, plus a Historic Train Preservation fee. Tickets are limited and will sell out in advance. Purchasers must be 21+ to participate. Tickets will be available online at DurangoBluesTrain.com/Tickets and over the phone at (512) 674-9300. Tickets and the artist lineup for August 17 & 18 will be released later this spring. For more information, visit DurangoBluesTrain.com.

A selection of lodging options at local hotel partners are available for those looking to stay in town. To view all accommodation opportunities, visit DurangoBluesTrain.com/Lodging. 

The onset of summer in the mountain town of Durango, Colorado seems just a bit closer with the announcement of the artist lineup for the Durango Blues Train on June 1 and 2. Presented by SBG Productions and the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, the Durango Blues Train returns to the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for the 8th year on both ends of the summer season on June 1 & 2 and August 17 & 18.

The list of the artists set to play the June event includes returning veteran artists, internationally acclaimed blues acts and up-and-coming performers. The June lineup features Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, Amanda Fish, C.W. Ayon Duo, Dos Gatos, Left Lane Cruiser, and Russ Chapman.

“There’s something magical that happens when you combine blues and a steam train but there’s so much more to it than just that. It is an unforgettable experience that you will remember for a lifetime,” said Steve Gumble, founder of the Durango Blues Train. “Each year, the train grows in popularity and each ride on the Blues Train brings a different experience. It’s not often that you get artists of this caliber to play on a train that only holds 280 people! I got the chance to tell Dwayne Dopsie about the Blues Train after his performance at the 2017 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and he jumped at the opportunity to play. To have him perform up close and intimate on the train is going to be stellar.”

Son of zydeco music legend Rockin’ Dopsie, Dwayne Dopsie takes the tradition to new energetic, youthful heights. Unsurprisingly, Rolling Stone magazine once called him the Jimi Hendrix of the accordion. His 2017 album “Top of the Mountain” earned him a GRAMMY nomination for “Best Regional Roots Music Album”. This music puts you squarely in the heart of New Orleans, where the genre’s roots grew from French Creole musical traditions, blending blues, rhythm and blues, and music indigenous to the Louisiana Creoles and the Native people of Louisiana.

On the opposite end of the train will be Amanda Fish, a roots, rock and soul quintet featuring dual slide and rock guitars and Amanda’s signature ‘from-the-gut’ vocals. She caught the world’s attention after her performance at the 2017 International Blues Challenge Semi Finals – one of the nation’s most prestigious and competitive modern music competitions. This Kansas City native is a rising star in the blues world and looking to leave a lasting impression on the Blues Train riders.

Returning for his second train appearance, C.W. Ayon brings an upbeat, soulful element to the lineup. Usually performing as a one-man-band, C.W. will be joined by a slap bassist showcasing a hill country style of blues from Northern Mississippi. The two combine masterful grooves to create an immersive bluesy, folksy performance.

Dos Gatos, a scaled down duo of the New Mexico and Blues Train favorite, Felix y Los Gatos, will be debuting their unique blend of roots and Americana using a button accordion and acoustic guitar. Their energetic live shows create a compelling and authentic Southwestern blues experience that is a perfect match for the Blues Train.

Adding to the cadre of talent, Left Lane Cruiser joins the bill with an interesting take on R&B. The pair of Indiana natives form a vibrant duo playing high-energy punk blues. The band’s format features slide guitar and drums in a unique “trash-blues” style. Regardless of the classification, this party band will have the train rocking.

Rounding out the June lineup is the 2017 Telluride Blues Challenge winner Russ Chapman. Russ outperformed 39 other competitors to win the Blues Challenge earning him a spot on the Blues Train. Known for his lyrical wit, stage presence, and originality, Chapman plays New Orleans inspired folk-blues that forms a unique connection with the audience through his unique delivery and friendly vibe.

Refreshments will be available for purchase on board. Guests can enjoy light snacks, bars with wine and craft beer from award-winning regional brewery partners Telluride Brewing Company and Ska Brewing.

About Durango Blues Train:

The Blues Train is an exciting 3.5-hour moving musical experience of live blues music on board the coal-fired, steam-powered Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through the San Juan National Forest. The event starts and ends in Durango, Colorado featuring six live blues performances inside the train coaches with a festive musical environment. Each artist performs in their own vintage coach, while passengers can pass freely from coach to coach. The Blues Train with nine passenger cars, a steam-engine locomotive, two full bands, four solo/duo acts and three craft beer and wine bars.