This is the first of our 2019 series of intimate “Concerts with Conversation” in Riffe’s Meeting House next to the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake.  In a “house concert” setting for a maximum of 40 people, world class musicians let their hair down and play for the fun of it before an appreciative Sunday afternoon audience.  Coffee and cookies are served.

This will be a fun and comprehensive concert outlining the creation and evolution of America’s true art form- Jazz – in a historical context.  Performances along with explanations will chronicle the development and evolution of the major styles, including the earliest emerging styles, including blues and collective improvisation up to the modern styles will be covered.

The program will feature saxophonist and jazz historian Francis Vanek.  Francis hails from Pittsburgh, attended Duquesne University.  He has a master’s degree in music from University of Nevada, Reno, where he later joined the Jazz faculty, teaching Jazz Improvisation and classes in Music History.

Backing Vanek will be the acclaimed Dorian May Trio with Dorian May on piano, Dorothea May on bass and Gabe Yanez on drums.

Opening our 13th season of monthly “Concerts with Conversation” in Riffe’s Meeting House next to the Hotel.

This should be a great program featuring saxophonist and musicologist FRANCIS VANEK backed by the DORIAN MAY TRIO playing selections from the various genres and eras in the evolution of jazz in America.

“We really enjoy these concerts,” says Tallman owner Bernie Butcher. “It’s a relaxing Sunday afternoon with some of the finest musicians in the area. This one with Francis Vanek and the Dorian May Trio should be particularly educational as well as entertaining.”

Along with the musical selections, Vanek will chronicle the development and evolution of the major styles of America’s unique musical form, including blues, jazz standards and collective improvisation.

Francis Vanek was brought up in Pittsburgh and attended Duquesne University. He has a master’s degree in music from University of Nevada, Reno, where he later joined the jazz faculty, teaching jazz improvisation and classes in music history.

Backing Vanek will be the acclaimed Dorian May Trio with Dorian May on piano, Dorothea May on bass and Gabe Yanez on drums. The group is led by Dorian May, whose degree in classical piano performance has laid the groundwork for an exceptional career as a master of the jazz piano.

Tickets at @25 + tax are available by calling the Hotel at (707) 275-2244 ext. 0. Coffee and cookies are served to guests. The Hotel is also affering a 10% discount on hotel bookings that weekend for people purchasing tickets to the concert.