Tickets on sale next week Tuesday, February 13!
Summer seems just a bit closer with the announcement of the artist lineup for the Durango Blues Train on June 1 & 2! The Durango Blues Train is pleased to kick off it's 8th year rockin' and rollin' aboard the the historic Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad with Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, Amanda Fish, C.W. Ayon Duo, Dos Gatos, Left Lane Cruiser, and Russ Chapman.
Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers
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.
Amanda Fish
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.
C.W. Ayon Duo
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
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.
Left Lane Cruiser
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.
Russ Chapman
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.
Blues Train tickets are set to 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 years old to participate. Tickets will be available online here 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, click here.