2008 Tarahumara Train to feature Hillman and Pedersen

Oh man, this is the music excursion I'd like to book. An alternative to the spate of music cruises, Flying Under Radar Productions puts on exotic Roots on the Rails adventures in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. West. In past years, the Tarahumara Train, which runs out of Tucson to the Copper Canyon region of Mexico's Sierra Madre, has featured folk heroes like Tom Russell and Fred Eaglesmith.

The 2008 Tarahumara Train runs May 15-22 and features two of my musical heroes, Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen, plus more "friends" to be announced. For boomers like me, Hillman and Pedersen have been part of the soundtrack of our lives, beginning with the Byrds and Burritos and playing key roles in the defining the country rock sound.

Throughout the years, the two of them have paired on numerous projects, including The Desert Rose Band and in a quartet with the Rice brothers. Recently, they have played as a trio with bassist Bill Bryson, and to my ears their music is sweeter than ever.

Roots on the Rails trips are not inexpensive. This one goes for $4750 per person, including all onboard and hotel accommodations, various side trips, plus concerts, workshops and jams all along the way. I don't know if this is the trip of a lifetime, but it certainly will make the 2008 highlight reel.