Expressions of Interest for the Easter 2011 Blues Train 
We have been contacted by Julie Lamb, who is the Treasurer of Capital Blues, Wellington’s blues club.
Julie has planning a "Blues on a Blue Train" trip to the South Island from Wellington and because there are only 275 seats for sale, Julie is approaching blues clubs to gain any expressions of interest.
The train follows the tranz coastal and tranz alpine routes, and further - just for any train buffs - there will likely be a short haul steam engine ride.
Due to start on 22 April 2011 for a duration of 4 days (3 nights), the trip mainly hangs around Christchurch.
On the Friday, after the early am ferry sailing out of Wellington, the train wander along the TranzCoastal route (perhaps hopping off at Kaikoura for a bit of a sightseeing and picnic), to Christchurch.
On Saturday you board a steam train to a large event shaping up at Rangiora AMP show grounds.
There will be several trips back and forth to Rangiora that day, so you can make your way back to Christchurch and spend an afternoon in the city.
That night there are shows at various venues in the city.
On Sunday the train follows the TranzAlpine route to Greymouth where the afternoon is spent at Shantytown, for a spit roast and big gig over there and then onto late night train trip back to Christchurch.
Monday is a rest/jam day at a place yet to be determined - but somewhere in North Canterbury/Marlborough region, then it back on the Ferry.
Accommodation will be at motels in Christchurch.
Proposed headliners for the trip are Darren Watson (International Blues award winner) and The Real Deal Blues Band, Brilleaux from Tauranga, Erna Ferry and Blues Buffet out of Wanganui, Kokomo from Tauranga, Shaken Not Stirred; Mama Tilly, Mojo Mama (Laura Collins and CIndy Muggeridge) and Red Dog (Dougal Spiers and Dave Murphy); Dave Feehan, Lisa Tomlins, Carol Bean, Julie Lamb from Wellington.
Ticket price includes travel on ferry and train from Wellington return, bed and breakfast (where beds are involved), admission to gigs, jam sessions, the "road" trip of a lifetime and... the T-Shirt!
The coast is $1,195 per head including GST, any blues club members deserve, and receive, a $100 discount.
The event is strictly R18.
Registrations of interest, and requests for more details or information, are to be sent to Julie by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 31 August.
