Blues Train Turns 18
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
This year The Legendary Blues Train celebrates 18 years of riding the rails, bringing world-class blues acts to the public and showcasing the natural beauty of the Bellarine Peninsula.
In 1994, inspired by stories of the old blues masters jamming it up on Mississippi freight trains as they travelled the Deep South, local Pt Lonsdale boy Hugo T Armstrong joined forces with the renowned Pasquini's Deli of Pt Lonsdale, to create what has become a world-class tourism event.
Hugo has over 24 years' experience in the music industry, including 8 years as the Director of the nationally recognised Tourism Hall of Fame recipient Queenscliff Music Festival; and 21 years presenting the popular Now Dig This radio program on Melbourne's PBSFM.
The Blues Train experience begins at historic Queenscliff Station with a hearty meal. At each stop revelers swap carriages to see one of the four great blues acts performing on the train. With a capacity of 200 (50 in each of the four carriages) it has become enormously popular as a function venue and has successfully hosted parties of up to 200 people including weddings, birthday parties, corporate functions and Christmas celebrations.
In 2006 The Blues Train was recognised by Tourism Victoria and the RACV as one of the top 101 Things to do in Victoria, registering number 6 on the list (out of 75,000 votes). Artists who have performed on The Blues Train include Aria Award winning recipients Mia Dyson; Ash Grunwald; CW Stoneking; The John Butler Trio; Jimi Hocking; Chris Wilson and Collard Greens & Gravy.
The 18th season kicked off with a bang in August with a Blues Brothers themed night for the Victorian Visitor Information Centre Summit.
Artists performing this season include Claude Hay (currently on tour in the USA); Anni Piper; Qynn Beardman; Chris Wilson; Chubby Rae & the Elevators and the 2010 Victorian Blues Performer of the year Sweet Felicia & the Honeytones.
The Blues Train operates Saturday nights August-to-May; during December The Train operates Friday and Saturday nights, catering for staff Christmas parties and end of year break-ups. Group discounts through Ticketek apply for over 20 people; for bookings 52 and over please contact The Blues Train direct (further discounts apply).
For more information please visit www.thebluestrain.com.au and subscribe to the website to receive notice of special offers and regular newsletter.
