UPPER LAKE – Lake County’s Tallman Hotel will present its third season of monthly “Concerts with Conversation” beginning Jan. 30 and extending through May 29.

Ten percent of all proceeds from the concerts will benefit the Soper-Reese Community Theatre Fund, which is in the process of converting the old single-screen movie theater in Lakeport into a state-of-the-art performing arts center.

The Tallman series brings some of Northern California’s finest musical talent to this delightful and intimate venue.

Beginning at 6 p.m. each evening, guests will enjoy a reception with the musicians in the parlor of this 1890s hotel, recently listed on the California Register of Historic Resources.

The reception features hearty hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Mark Linback and paired with wines from a different Lake County producer each month.

The reception is followed by an informal concert and dialogue with the musicians in the charming Riffe’s Meeting House next door to the Hotel.

The 2009 season kicks off on Friday, Jan. 30, with pianist and entertainer Spencer Brewer.

For more than three decades, Brewer has been a composer-pianist-producer with 18 solo and duet albums to his credit. His latest CD, called “Cinematic,” was just released this fall to rave national reviews.

Brewer is an active promoter of Mendocino County music events including Ukiah’s Sundays in the Park, the Acoustic Café and the annual Professional Pianists Concert at Mendocino College.

Winemaker Matt Hughes will pour his Zoom and Blue Wing Wines.

The remainder of the 2008 season features the following eclectic group of accomplished musicians:

Bob Culbertson will perform on the Chapman Stick at the Feb. 27, 2009, event. Courtesy photo.

Friday, February 27 – Lakeport’s Bob Culbertson is one of the world’s masters of the Chapman Stick. An early adapter of this unique stringed instrument, Culbertson is notable not only for his many recorded albums, but also for his extensive teaching and touring. Together with inventor Emmett Chapman, Culbertson created an acoustic version of the instrument featured on his new CD “AcouStick.” Barney Fetzer will pour wines from Ceago Vinegarden.

Friday, March 27 – An evening with the Lake Wind Ensemble. Featuring Beth Aiken on oboe, Ann Hubbard on bassoon and Nick Biondo on clarinet, this accomplished trio has long been featured as part of the Lake County and Ukiah Symphonies. A unique blend of talent, the ensemble will present a wide variety of classical and original pieces. Pam Prisco will pour Steele Wines.

Friday, April 24 – An upbeat evening with the “Queen of Boogie Woogie,” Wendy DeWitt. DeWitt spreads the gospel of Chicago-based blues piano and boogie woogie to enthusiastic audiences around the world. In addition to her solo appearances, DeWitt has played alongside such blues greats as Otis Rush, Steve Freund, Charlie Musselwhite and Jimmy Thackery. Joey Luiz will pour wines from Shannon Ridge Vineyards.

Alex de Grassi will return to the concert series on May 29, 2009. Courtesy photo.

Friday, May 29 – Back by popular demand, steel-string guitar soloist Alex de Grassi has helped define the contemporary fingerstyle movement. His evocative compositions with jazz, folk and classical influences are the perfect musical vehicles for his lyrical and virtuosic guitar work. This promises to be a great finish to the 2009 Tallman series. Valerie Ramirez will pour Wildhurst Wines.

Tickets to any or all of these events can be obtained by calling the Tallman Hotel reception desk at 707-275-2244. The cost for each reception and concert is $40, or $160 for the entire five concert series.

The Hotel also has a special package of hotel room plus two reception and concert tickets for $235.

Further information can be obtained by calling the Hotel or checking the Hotel Web site at www.tallmanhotel.com.

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