Blue Train’s Blues Band’s first private party in Finger Lakes

Some gigs leave a deeper mark than others—not necessarily because of the size of the crowd or the prestige of the venue, but because of what they reveal about the heart of the music and the flexibility of the band. For Blue Train, our first private party gig was one of those nights.

We’ve played plenty of wineries, breweries, and public stages. We’ve jammed our way through lazy summer afternoons and lively weekend crowds. But this particular evening—an intimate 50th wedding anniversary party tucked away on a secluded lakeside property—was a first in a different way. It asked something more of us, and it gave us something back: a deepened sense of what we’re really about as a band.

Arrival in the Woods

The gig was already promising to be special from the moment we started the journey in. Picture this: a mile-long driveway winding through thick woods before finally opening up to a stunning lakeside home. The house sat right on the water, surrounded by trees and silence—except for the gathering of about a hundred guests already under a large party tent when we arrived. Thunderstorms had just passed through, leaving the air thick and the ground muddy. The tension of the weather breaking felt almost like the setup to a good blues lyric—ominous, but with the promise of release.

We weren’t the first band to play that day. When we pulled up, another blues trio was just wrapping up their set. It turned out the host had originally planned to have three bands for the evening, but only two of us worked out. That meant the energy was already in motion by the time we arrived, and it was on us to carry it forward—and elevate it.

Setting the Stage, Mud and All

There’s a certain humility that comes with hauling gear across a muddy lawn, dodging puddles, and sacrificing a clean pair of pants for the sake of the music. Some of our gear bags got a little dirty. So did we. But none of that really mattered once we started tuning up and feeling the energy of the place. The weather had cleared. The air was warm. And we had a blues set ready to go.

We kicked things off with our usual repertoire—gritty, soulful blues that taps into the emotional core of this music. We leaned into the swing, the shuffle, the slow burns, and the high-octane grooves. And people were listening. Some were seated and chatting; others wandered toward the stage, drawn in by the sound.

A Special Moment

Then came the moment that would define the night.

The woman being honored—the bride of 50 years—came over and asked if we knew any Etta James. My mind immediately went to “At Last.” Fortunately, I had a stroke of luck (or maybe just professional preparedness): I’d brought along not just our usual blues books, but also the party/wedding books I’d used the night before. They were still in the car.

I grabbed the right charts, and we delivered “At Last” with sincerity and grace. There was a pause after the last chord—one of those silences where you can feel everyone collectively holding their breath. Then the guests broke into applause. And the couple got up to dance.

It wasn’t guaranteed. There was some speculation as to whether the husband would want to dance, but once they were up, the magic was undeniable. Watching them move slowly, gracefully, after fifty years of life together, was nothing short of beautiful. That dance became the emotional highlight of the evening—a moment none of us will forget.

Shifting Gears

That song opened the door. The crowd was fully with us now, and their requests started coming in—Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and other rock and pop tunes from across the decades. Blues may have been the foundation, but the celebration wanted to expand. And we were ready.

I had also (thankfully) left the dance lights in the car from the night before, and I quickly set them up. The transformation was instant. What had started as a blues set turned into a full-on dance party. We leaned into the rock ’n’ roll energy, blending classic tunes with the kind of rhythmic fire that makes people move.

If there’s one thing this gig reinforced, it’s that Blue Train isn’t just about sticking to one lane. We’re rooted in the blues, yes—but like the best train rides, we know how to switch tracks when the moment calls for it. Whether it’s a slow blues, a funk groove, or a rock anthem, our mission is to take people on a ride they didn’t expect.

The Power of Flexibility

There’s a temptation in music—especially blues—to stick tightly to tradition. And for good reason. The blues is sacred. It’s raw, real, and rich in history. But on gigs like this one, it becomes clear that honoring tradition doesn’t have to mean being rigid. If we had only played blues that night, we would’ve done our job. But because we were ready to pivot, we created something unforgettable.

This wasn’t about being a jukebox. It was about reading the room, sensing the flow, and tapping into the joy of the moment. And that adaptability is something we take pride in. Our subtitle—The Blues Band That Takes You Places—isn’t just a clever line. It’s a philosophy. We bring the blues, but we also bring the journey.

Bonfire, Buffet, and Community

Beyond the music, the party itself was vibrant and full of life. After our set, we got to enjoy an incredible buffet spread and mingle with the guests. A bonfire roared nearby, casting a warm glow as the night went on. It felt less like a gig and more like being part of something real—something joyful and meaningful.

This wasn’t a polished venue with a stage and pro lighting. This was community. This was celebration. This was the kind of space where music matters most—where it brings people together, across generations, and helps mark moments in time.

Looking Ahead

This gig was a milestone. Not because it was the biggest or flashiest, but because it showed us how far we’ve come—and where we can go. It reminded us that private events, with their intimate, spontaneous energy, are just as valuable as public shows. They challenge us to be present, to connect, and to stretch as musicians.

And it confirmed something I’ve felt for a while now: Blue Train is ready for more. More private events, more parties, more opportunities to adapt and inspire. We’ll keep the blues at the core, always. But we’re ready to take people places—wherever the music leads.

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Want to bring the spirit of the blues to your next event? Blue Train offers deep grooves, heartfelt performances, and the flexibility to turn any gathering into a celebration. Because when the music matters, the band should too.  Book a free music consultation with me or simply write to me on the contact page.