Victoria’s historic coastal town of Queenscliff is home to the world’s one and only Blues Train. It is a unique experience that combines four of Australia’s best live blues performers with the picturesque scenery of the Bellarine Peninsula. It all happens aboard a real moving vintage steam train, and is one of Australia’s most spectacular dining and entertainment experiences.
Nothing captures the spirit of the blues quite like a steam train. The sound of the whistle, the clickety-clack of the tracks; you can imagine the old blues masters jamming it up on Mississippi freight trains, as they were “ridin’ the blinds” around America’s Deep South.
The Blues Train has hosted many great musicians since its inception including Aussie blues legends Jimi Hocking, Chris Wilson and Lloyd Spiegel; Aria Award winners Collard Greens and Gravy and Mia Dyson; the award-winning Ash Grunwald and Kerri Simpson; local artists Chubby Rae and the Elevators, Stringybark McDowell and Dave Steel; and newcomers to the Victorian scene Sweet Felicia and the Honeytones, Jaimi Faulkener Band and Dallas Frasca.
In 2004, the 10th anniversary of The Blues Train was commemorated with a CD featuring all The Blues Train artists of that first 10 years. Adele Spence, Mary Whitehead and Simon Hill, NMIT students undertaking the Music Industry Business Advanced Diploma course, approached Hugo T Armstrong in February of 2004 with the idea of putting together a Blues Train compilation CD. They wanted to represent Australian blues and the atmosphere and experience of The Blues Train. After a decade of showcasing Victoria’s best blues musicians, the music and the atmosphere of Victoria’s most unique blues venue was captured on CD - giving Blues Train punters the chance to take some of the Blues Train music home with them.
After overwhelming response and successful sales, the second instalment has just been launched and is available from our website by following the image below. ’Train Trax 1&2’, two comprehensive and diverse collections of the fantastic musicians that have played on the world famous Blues Train.
To get your own dose of authentic Aussie blues, click on the merchandise link (CD cover image below)
Our ‘youth in blues’ program is drawing to a close and the musicians that participated will be performing in a showcase.
** WHERE: The British Crown Hotel, Smith Street, Collingwood. $5 door charge ** WHEN: Sunday 6 July, 2008. 1pm.
There will be 7 acts performing on the day, with the winner going on to perform at 2 Australian festivals. So please come and support tomorrow’s blues stars and help MBAS keep blues music alive and kicking!
Of course I did Hugo!!!!!!!!! *she scratches her head not having a clue what he is talking about* Ok.... I didn't know about it, but I shall do so :D Hey... RE: conversations had at the blues train... are you able to give me any contacts for the Queenscliff festival and am I able to send you one of our cds also??? *she puts on her best cheesey grin and flutters her eyes* Niki -> :D We are a 9 piece swing band (the Dirty Boogie) in my top friends, if you are keen to have a look :)
Hmmmm..... I hear the rumour that the "Niki the Human" joke spread far and wide, lol. I have been telling many people over my side of the Bay what a great experience the train was. When does it start up again? :)
heyy perfect bro.....we cld def do a stripped down version of the band. Brother T cld play upright bass instead of hammond or he cld use a nord keyboard which are very versatile and practical. will keep ya posted......sounds like a plan ha!! Heyy hope yer well and all at PBS are all well too. Talk soon Bro.
Thanks for letting me add you - what a fantastic idea 'The Blues Train' is! Sounds better than a Harbour Cruise to me!! Hope to jump aboard and play some rockin' blues for ya some day!
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