UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Saloon Restaurant in Upper Lake are reopening this Saturday following a closure for extensive upgrades that began Jan. 2.

Owner Bernie Butcher said the hotel reopens this Friday, Jan. 25, with the restaurant resuming business on Saturday, Jan. 26. Four musical events are on tap to mark the occasion.

“The kitchen and other renovations have gone extremely well,” said Butcher. “We have some real pros on the project with Mitchell Construction in Lakeport as general contractor and subs like Totorica Plumbing and N & A Electric. It’s amazing what they’ve accomplished in three short weeks.”

To mark the reopening, the Tallman will host its first “Concert with Conversation” of the new year on Saturday evening in the Meeting House featuring Paul McCandless on reed instruments together with Spanish guitarist Antonio Calogero. Tickets at $25 plus tax are available at the Hotel.

On Sunday, Jan. 27, the Blue Wing will host the Sylvia Herold Jazz Trio from San Francisco at brunch and folksinger Dennis Percell at supper time. The John Mattern Band with Jeff Massonari on guitar will start a new season of Blue Wing Monday Blues at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28.

“Customers won’t see a big physical difference,” said Blue Wing Chef Brian Rebitzke, “but we’ve got all new kitchens from the plumbing and flooring on up in both the Hotel and Restaurant. So an improved workspace means that our staff is more committed than ever to providing patrons with top quality food in a timely manner.”

In addition to the kitchens, the hotel has taken advantage of the downtime to do extensive deep cleaning and repairs.

The hotel’s innovative geo-exchange heating and cooling system has also been thoroughly overhauled by Air Connection, Inc. of Santa Rosa.

“Everything is spotless and ready to go,” said hotel manager Susan Mesick. “As the economy slowly improves, we’re looking forward to seeing a lot of new guests coming to Lake County – and hopefully staying at the Tallman.”