Intimate live musical performances outdoors in the Sierra National Forest

Price

Limited “Plan Ahead” pricing: $116.60 per adult / $37.10 per child (through June 14) Standard pricing: $132.50 per adult / $47.70 per child (age 8-17) / under 8 free

Duration

3 hours

About

Your inclusive full fare passage includes a boxed chef-prepared seasonal appetizer selection, intimate post show conversation with the artist followed by an informal meet-and-greet at the train station upon return. The whistle blows and “All aboard!” for a narrow-gauge steam train ride to the Lewis Creek Amphitheater for a 75-minute performance by your favorite featured artist in the Sierra National Forest.

Upon arrival and easy check-in at the Train Station, passengers may enjoy a selection of beer and wines available for purchase with the chef-prepared appetizer before boarding.

The whistle on the YOSEMITE JAZZ TRAIN will blow and “All aboard!” for a magical 25 minute-long guided excursion to the intimate Lewis Creek Amphitheater.

Enjoy the rustic feeling in an open air Logger or Train car as we travel on the original 3ft narrow gauge railroad tracks and learn about the amazing history on a narrated tour by our conductor as we wind our way down to the performance venue. VIP private Caboose passages are also available by prior arrangement.

2025 Performances

Tommy Castro and the Pain Killers - May 18th

Blues & Local Brews

Whether he’s squeezing out the deepest blues or playing the funkiest soul grooves, legendary blues and soul giant Tommy Castro knows how to ignite a crowd. He’s performed all over the world, earning countless fans with his legendary, sweat-drenched, exhilarating live shows. The Painkillers – bassist Randy McDonald, drummer Bowen Brown and keyboardist Michael Emerson – have coalesced into one of the tightest bands and create one unforgettable, unpredictable performance after another.

Laurie Morvan - June 15th

Red Hot Rockin’ Blues Band

Blues Foundation Award winner Laurie Morvan has built a career playing guitar-driven, rocking blues, with a back pocket full of well-warranted swagger, and songs that reflect true craftsmanship. In an era where fewer and fewer artists are truly aware of (and engage) their audience, she is a true entertainer; a musical ringmaster leading her devastatingly tight band through a myriad of twists and turns with a level of finesse and musical intuition that only comes from years of working together.

Brian Simpson & Steve Oliver - June 29th

Smooth Jazz

Inspired keyboardist, composer, prolific studio musician and producer Brian Simpson is a master of all he purveys. His eloquent approach to playing, sophisticated harmonics sense, bluesy overtones, R&B flavor and keen sense of how to craft a song that stands the test of time have made him the go-to man for many.

With Steve’s instantly recognizable guitar lines and a list of guest artists that includes bass virtuoso Jimmy Haslip, the incredible Joel Taylor on drums, and sax luminary Nelson Rangell, Illuminate puts the spotlight back on one of the genre’s most engaging performers and songwriters.

Acoustic Alchemy - July 13th

Smooth Jazz

Acoustic Alchemy have spent over a quarter century making music and in that time they have not only received critical acclaim for their albums (including three Grammy nominations), but also have built a reputation for being one of the most exciting live bands in the business. For the last decade the band lineup has been made up of Greg Carmichael on nylon guitar, Miles Gilderdale on steel string acoustic and electric guitars, Fred White on keyboards and the powerhouse rhythm section of Greg Grainger on drums and his brother, Gary Grainger on bass.

Peter White - July 20th

Smooth Jazz

Over the years, Peter White has maintained a reputation as one of the most versatile and prolific acoustic guitarists on the contemporary jazz landscape. Armed with an unparalleled combination of lyricism and energy, he combines elements of jazz, pop and classical guitar to create a sound that is singular and at the same time accessible to a broad audience.

Keiko Matsui - August 10th

Smooth Jazz and More

Celebrated pianist, composer and humanitarian Keiko Matsui shares her dream for unity, serenity and happiness on her new recording Euphoria

“Through prayer and my music, I hope to be able to increase harmony on this planet.” – Keiko Matsui

Elvin Bishop - August 24th

Big Fun Trio

Ever since Rock & Roll and Blues Hall Of Famer Elvin Bishop first hit the scene with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band back in 1965, he’s blazed his own musical trail. Whether he was playing raw, eye-popping blues, or penning the evergreen radio hit Fooled Around And Fell In Love, or touring the world for decades delivering his original, good-time countrified blues, Bishop has always inspired his fans with his rowdy guitar playing and witty, slice-of-life songs. Rolling Stone calls Bishop “a legendary guitarist” whose playing is “impeccable and spirited…a distinguished American player.”

Rick Braun - September 14th

Smooth Jazz

Trumpeter, composer and producer Rick Braun, known for his impeccable technical chops, melodic wizardry and keen compositional prowess, the consummate Los Angeles based musician has been thrilling audiences for decades.

Hiroshima Trio ft. June Kuramoto - October 12th

Smooth Jazz and More

Vibrant, eclectic and truly original, the 2010 Grammy-nominated Hiroshima creates a musical world all its own. Featuring the luscious sound of June Kuramoto’s koto, and the interwoven fabrics of Jazz, Japan, Salsa and more, their Departure CD and tour, “journeys to the heart of their musical soul.”

What to Bring

Come prepared for any type of weather as the railroad operates covered cars and open air log cars, rain or shine