Nightcats (left to right) Kid Andersen, Rick Estrin, Lorenzo Farrell and J. Hansen. Courtesy photo.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Between a tour of the East Coast and an upcoming European swing, Rick Estrin and the Nightcats will make a stop at the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake on the Monday evening of Labor Day.

This popular group will headline the third annual Blue Wing Labor Day Blues Extravaganza in the garden between the Hotel and the Blue Wing Saloon Restaurant from 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5.

When the Lake County Fair comes to an end and things start to wind down, this musical special promises to be a relaxing and upbeat way to top off the traditional end-of-summer weekend holiday.

Rick Estrin ranks among the very best harmonica players, singers and songwriters in the blues world today.

For more than 30 years and nine albums, Rick fronted the swinging Little Charlie and the Nightcats, featuring guitarist Little Charlie Baty.

With Baty's retirement from touring, Estrin takes the lead on his own along with the Nightcats’ longtime rhythm section of J. Hansen and Lorenzo Farrell and a new member, fiery guitarist Kid Andersen.

Besides his songwriting and musical skills, Estrin is among the most entertaining and colorful showmen around.

His quick wit and signature look – coifed hair, pencil-thin mustache and sharp attire – add even more color to his performances. More information can be found on his web site, www.rickestrin.com.

Gerald Mathis and Starlight will again open for the Blue Wing Labor Day event as they have done to enthusiastic receptions the past two years.

Besides Mathis on keyboards, this Sacramento based group features the talented Anthony Dillard on sax, Tim Hankins on guitar, Greg Anderson on bass and Frank Lemmon on drums.

Also for the third year in a row, Gregory Graham Wines of Lower Lake will co-sponsor the Labor Day event along with Allora DaCar Productions of Nice and KXBX FM 98.3.

Additional sponsors of the event are Glamazon Wines of Upper Lake, Chic le Chef of Middletown, and the October 1 Konocti Challenge Bike Ride sponsored by the Lakeport Rotary.

Beside the music, the ticket price of $50 in advance ($55 at the gate) plus tax includes a gourmet barbeque dinner served in the garden.

Tickets are available by calling the Tallman Hotel at 707-275-2244.

More information including barbecue menu is available at www.tallmanhotel.com/concert.