YOSEMITE MOUNTAIN
SUGAR PINE RAILROAD
Located 10 minutes from the southern entrance of
Yosemite National Park off of Highway 41
JAZZ & BLUES – CONCERT SERIES
YOSEMITE JAZZ TRAIN
Intimate musical performances and more,
outdoors in the Sierra National Forest
2025 Performance Schedule
Tommy Castro and the Pain Killers
Sunday – May 18th, 2025 – 3pm
Limited “Pre-Season” pricing: $100 per adult /w fees / $46.50 per child /w fees / under 8 free
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 – Red Hot Rockin’ Blues Band
Sunday – June 15th, 2025 – 3pm
Limited “Pre-Season” pricing: $100 per adult /w fees / $46.50 per child /w fees / under 8 free
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
Sunday, June 29th, 2025 – 3pm
Limited “Pre-Season” pricing: $100 per adult /w fees / $46.50 per child /w fees / under 8 free
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
Sunday, July 13th, 2025 – 3pm
Limited “Pre-Season” pricing: $100 per adult /w fees / $46.50 per child /w fees / under 8 free
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
Sunday, July 20th, 2025 – 3pm
Limited “Pre-Season” pricing: $100 per adult /w fees / $46.50 per child /w fees / under 8 free
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
Sunday – August 10th, 2025 – 3pm
Limited “Pre-Season” pricing: $100 per adult /w fees / $46.50 per child /w fees / under 8 free
Elvin Bishop – Big Fun Trio
Sunday – August 24th, 2025 – 3pm
Limited “Pre-Season” pricing: $100 per adult /w fees / $46.50 per child /w fees / under 8 free
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
Sunday, September 14th, 2025 – 3pm
Limited “Pre-Season” pricing: $100 per adult /w fees / $46.50 per child /w fees / under 8 free
Hiroshima Trio featuring June Kuramoto
Sunday – October 12th, 2025 – 3pm
Limited “Pre-Season” pricing: $100 per adult /w fees / $46.50 per child /w fees / under 8 free
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.”
The Experience
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.
An Intimate Performance at the Lewis Creek Amphiteater
Experience an intimate performance by our featured headline artists in the Sierra National Forest
Forrest camp fire bench seating is available for all.
Guests are welcome to bring a blanket or cushion for added comfort. Folding portable chairs are welcome surrounding the bench chairs. Photographs and smart phone videos are encouraged from your selected seat. All tickets are sold – Rain or Shine.
After the Performance
At the conclusion of the concert the engineer’s whistle of the
YOSEMITE JAZZ TRAIN
will blow and all passengers are asked to be re-board for our arrival back at
The Sugar Pine Railroad Train Station.
Upon arrival all guests are invited to an intimate conversation with the artist and meet-and-greet at the train station.
Please no out-side food or beverage at the train station and associated venues.
Please share any dietary / allergenic concerns in advance of arrival with your confirmed ticket.
A limited number of tickets are available for these three-hour long events that begin at 3 p.m.
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is located only 10 minutes from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, off Highway 41.
All Tickets are sold “Rain or Shine”. Please plan ahead for seasonal inclement weather.
All concerts will be in concurrence within the standard operation of the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.
Where to Stay
Complete your Yosemite Jazz Train experience with a relaxing stay at one of the many lodges and hotels available in the Yosemite Valley, including the beautiful Tenaya Lodge.
For more information on amenities and lodging, visit Yosemite – Where to Stay.
Getting Here
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is located on Highway 41 in Fish Camp, California. From Fresno, drive north on Highway 41. You’ll drive through the communities of Coarsegold and Oakhurst, where you can stop for coffee, food, and shopping.
Nearest Airport: Fresno International (FAT)
From the airport, drive south on Peach Avenue and enter Highway 180 East. Take 180 East to Highway 41 North to Yosemite. We are approximately 60 miles north of Fresno and 19 miles north of Oakhurst.
Visit www.YMSPRR.com for more information
* Any refund requests are not guaranteed, and only honored at the discretion of the event producer and/or Sugar Pine Railroad management