The highlight of the musical year at the Blue Wing Restaurant is our Labor Day weekend BLUE WING BLUES FESTIVAL with patrons comfortably seated in the garden between the restaurant and hotel under the shade of the sycamores.

Two great bands play each evening on the hotel veranda.  During the first set, beginning around 6:15, ticket holders are served a delicious barbeque dinner, with the headline performance beginning around 7:30. Many local companies and individuals help to sponsor the event.

Tickets at $75 + tax per person can be obtained at EVENTBRITE.COM or by calling the Tallman Hotel at (707) 275-2244 ext. 0.

On the first night of the Festival, Nancy Wright and her Band will open for and back the great “Mighty Mike” Schermer and his band.

Here are details on the performers:

Based in the East Bay, Nancy Wright has built a huge musical following in the Lake County area.  Nancy is one of the most highly respected, in-demand sax players on the blues, Americana and R&B scene today.  Seasoning from decades of “sideman” work with stars such as Elvin Bishop, John Lee Hooker, Joe Louis Walker and Tommy Castro has prepared her well to step out on her own as a songwriter and bandleader.  Her band tonight includes Tony Stead on keys, Steve Ehrmann on bass and Paul Revelli on percussion.

“Mighty Mike” Schermer is an all-time Blue Wing favorite.  A great musical talent with an engaging personality, we try to get Mike and his band here as often as his busy schedule permits.  Mike has been touring and recording for over 30 years, with his own band and with legendary figures such as Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Bonnie Rait, Maria Muldaur and, most recently, with Marcia Ball.  He has released eight critically acclaimed albums showcasing not only his guitar and vocal work, but also his songwriting style.