UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake, together with co-sponsors Tom Lincoln and Bill Brunetti, will present world-renowned guitarist Little Charlie Baty and his Gypsy Jazz Caravan on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Part of the Hotel’s annual “Concerts with Conversation” series, the appearance will take place in the intimate Meeting House next to the hotel beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“We’re really fortunate to be able to bring Little Charlie and his new group to Lake County,” commented Tallman owner Bernie Butcher, “and this event would not have been possible without the help of our good friends Tom Lincoln and Bill Brunetti.”

Charlie Baty is the longtime leader of the blues band Little Charlie and the Nightcats. He keeps his hand in the blues genre, appearing occasionally with Mark Hummel and the Blues Survivors. This group was a hit on the closing night of the Blue Wing Blues Festival last August.

The Caravan is Baty’s new musical project exploring elements of hot jazz, gypsy jazz, blues, swing, French bals musette music, and Brazilian choro. Little Charlie’s strong love for gypsy music and the music of Django Reinhardt led to the formation of the Caravan.

Members of the Caravan come from a variety of musical backgrounds, and this diverse blend provides a swinging sound that crosses the boundaries of any one particular style.

Little Charlie on guitar will be joined by Jason Vanderford, former rhythm guitarist with the Hot Club of San Francisco and currently featured with the Americano Social Club. Filling out the quartet will be the sensational accordionist Steve Stizzo with Scotty Prawalsky on bass.

The Caravan has appeared at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, given concerts at the Crocker Museum in Sacramento and performed with the Camellia City Symphony. The first Caravan CD is now in the works.

“Many years ago I was able to arrange for Little Charlie and the Nightcats to perform at a party in our back yard,” says Tom Lincoln. “That was a truly memorable experience and it will be absolutely great to get him back to Lake County.”

The Tallman series continues on March 23 with Tom Aiken on piano and harpsichord along with sax man Matt Rothstein and concludes on April 20 with a cabaret night featuring vocalist Jenna Mammina accompanied on piano by John R. Burr.

Concert tickets are $25 plus tax and include coffee and cookies served at the concert venue.

Tickets and information on the series can be obtained at the Tallman Hotel reception desk at 707-275-2244 or by checking the Web site at www.TallmanHotel.com .