Even though we’re still in March, now’s a good time to start planning what you’re going to do this summer – especially if those plans include the Durango Blues Train, which sells out faster and faster every year, says its founder, Steve Gumble.
The train, which is in its seventh year, has a run in June and another in August.
The lineup for the June train includes: Phil Wiggins and George Kilby Jr.; Felix Y Los Gatos; A.J. Fullerton featuring Nic Clark; Ben Prestage; Grant Sabin and Chris Yakopcic.
The artist lineup for the August train will be announced later this spring.
“I always tell people once you do it once, you’re hooked for life,” Gumble says. “And we have just a phenomenal number of repeat customers.” This also includes older people, who are rediscovering the train they rode as kids, he says.
Once on the train, passengers are free to wander through and check out each musician and grab food and drinks.
“It’s very flexible; you can dance or you can sit, or you can dance and walk around,” Gumble says. And an added bonus to a train full of music is what passengers will see outside the cars.
“We end just north of Rockwood at the high line trail,” Gumble says. “In June, we timed it deliberately by leaving at 7 o’clock (and) we get there right as the sun is setting. We kind of arc around the high line, so you see the entire train (and) it’s all lit up with LED lights. Everyone is taking pictures, and the whole train is just popping and flashing.”
And sometimes, the best part of an event is when it’s almost over.
“I really enjoy the last 10 minutes coming through town and everyone is just dancing and having fun,” Gumble says. “We’re going right through town, and people are waving and wondering what the heck is going on.”
katie@durangoherald.com
If you go
WHAT: Durango Blues Train
Where: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
When: June 2 and 3, Aug. 18 and 19.
Tickets: $100 per person per night, plus a Historic Train Preservation fee. Must be 21 or older. Tickets are available online at www.durangobluestrain.com/tickets and by phone at (888) 512-7469.
More information: Visit DurangoBluesTrain.com.
