UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake concludes its 2017 series of “Concerts with Conversation” on Saturday, April 8, with an informal concert by Bob Culbertson, one of the world’s true masters of the intricate instrument called the Chapman Stick.

Culbertson will be accompanied by percussion virtuoso Rick Alegria.

The event starts at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting house next to the hotel.

“If you know Bob and his music, this is a great opportunity to hear him interact with a world-class percussionist,” said Tallman owner Bernie Butcher. “And if you haven’t been exposed to the truly unique Chapman Stick instrument, this will be an unforgettable experience.”

With well over 100,000 albums sold, and many students to his credit, Culbertson has become one of the most influential Stick soloists in the world today.

An early adaptor of the Chapman Stick, Culbertson is famous not only for his technique on the instrument but for his compositional talent. Inventor Emmett Chapman calls Culbertson “the Segovia of the Stick.”

A native of San Jose, Alegria has performed and recorded with stars such as Bo Diddley, Maria Muldaur, Rosanne Cash and Elvis Costello.

Alegria and Culbertson have performed together twice in Lake County to high acclaim, once at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport and during the 2014 Tallman Concert Series.

“Bob used to live in Lakeport,” said Butcher, “so I would see him as often as possible, playing either solo or with cellist Clovice Lewis or bassist Michael Manring. Since he’s now out of the area, it will be a real treat to have him back again at the Tallman.”

Anyone wishing to get a preview of the music that can be made on the Chapman Stick, there are a number of great Bob Culbertson videos on YouTube.

Concert tickets at $25 plus tax may be purchased by calling the Tallman Hotel at 707-275-2244, Extension 0.

More background information on Bob Culbertson can be found at www.stickmusic.com and on Rick Alegria at www.rsamusic.com .