UPPER LAKE — Representatives from The Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Saloon Restaurant have announced the lineup for the sixth annual Blue Wing Blues Festival, Friday through Sunday with a follow-up date on Sept. 3.
Starting at 5:45 p.m. each evening, two bands, including headliners Zydeco Flames, Daniel Castro, Mark Hummell and Kenny Neal, will perform on the veranda of the hotel.
According to owner Bernie Butcher, “It”s a nice time of day and a great spot to enjoy world-class music. With a gourmet barbecue dinner thrown in with the price of admission, people really seem to enjoy these evenings.”
Tickets are limited to 100 each evening and may be purchased directly at the Tallman Hotel, located on Main Street in Upper Lake, or by calling the hotel reception desk at 275-2244. Ticket prices are $50 plus tax if purchased in advance and $55 at the gate. Visit the website at www.TallmanHotel.com.
Festival lineup:
* Friday will open with the local band Twice as Good, led by Paul Steward with his father Rich on rhythm guitar. Blues legend Charlie Musselwhite calls them “the real blues deal.” Headliner on opening night will be the Zydeco Flames with Lloyd Meadows on washboard.
* Saturday will kick off with the “Queen of Boogie Woogie” Wendy DeWitt on keyboards backed by Kirk Harwood on percussion. DeWitt will be followed by the Daniel Castro Band, headed by one of the top blues guitarists in Northern California. Castro represents the heart and soul of the San Francisco Bay Area blues scene.
* Sunday will open with the veteran Bay Area blues quartet Tip of the Top. The headliner on Sunday will be Mark Hummell and the Blues Survivors. Special guest with the Survivors for this show will be Little Charlie Baty on guitar.
* Sept. 3 will showcase a final night of outdoor blues at the Tallman and Blue Wing. The evening kicks off with a solo set by Houston-based Eric Taylor. The show concludes with Kenny Neal and his band.
