UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Renowned local keyboard artist Tom Aiken will appear at the Tallman Hotel on both piano and harpsichord along with sax man Matt Rothstein on Saturday, March 23.

The performance, which begins at 7:30 p.m., is part of the hotel’s annual “Concerts with Conversation” series, and will take place in the intimate Meeting House next to the Hotel in Upper Lake.

“This should be a great opportunity to hear Tom perform on two quite different but related instruments,” commented Tallman owner Bernie Butcher, “and the reunion with his ex-Kelseyville High student Matt Rothstein should be something special.”

The harpsichord is now thought of as a classical instrument, but in its day it was used as much for folk and popular music as the piano is today.

“What Matt and I have decided for this program,” said Aiken, “is to explore how some of the literature for harpsichord revolves around variations on popular tunes of the day, basically ‘jamming’ on those like jazz musicians do today. We’re looking forward to exploring variations on those early music themes as well as the popular music of today.”

Aiken earned his master’s degree in music from Chico State, studying the organ and harpsichord as well as the piano.

He concentrated on music written before 1750 and the works of J. S. Bach. His graduate work was in baroque performance practices and music theory.

While studying the classics, Aiken became fascinated by improvised music and jazz. A longtime instrumental and vocal music teacher in the Kelseyville district schools, he is now retired and enjoys performing solo and with many groups in the community.

“The man even plays a mean blues keyboard on Monday nights at the Blue Wing,” said Butcher.

Matt Rothstein studied under Aiken at Kelseyville High School and is now an accomplished saxophonist, vocalist, arranger and composer.

Rothstein honed his blend of jazz, folk, and gospel styles into a distinctive voice while attending Sonoma State University, where he studied with renowned composers Mel Graves and Will Johnson.

He is a perfectionist in every way, striving to bring excellence, inspiration and clarity to every professional appearance. He and his wife Jill and son Daylon now reside in the Sacramento area.

The 2013 Tallman series concludes on Saturday, April 20, with a cabaret night featuring the charming and highly entertaining 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 .