UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The annual winter concert series at the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake opens its 2019 season on Sunday, Jan. 27, at 3 p.m. in Riffe’s Meeting House next to the hotel.

The program features saxophonist and musicologist Francis Vanek, backed by the Dorian May Trio, playing selections from the various genres and eras in the evolution of jazz in America.

“We really enjoy these concerts,” said Tallman owner Bernie Butcher. “It’s a relaxing Sunday afternoon with some of the finest musicians in the area. This one with Francis Vanek and the Dorian May Trio should be particularly educational as well as entertaining.”

Along with the musical selections, Francis Vanek will chronicle the development and evolution of the major styles of America’s unique musical form, including blues, jazz standards and collective improvisation.

Francis Vanek was brought up in Pittsburgh and attended Duquesne University. He has a master’s degree in music from University of Nevada, Reno, where he later joined the jazz faculty, teaching jazz improvisation and classes in music history.

Backing Vanek will be the acclaimed Dorian May Trio with Dorian May on piano, Dorothea May on bass and Gabe Yanez on drums.

The group is led by Dorian May whose degree in classical piano performance has laid the groundwork for an exceptional career as a master of the jazz piano.

Tickets at $25 + tax are available by calling the Tallman Hotel at 707-275-2244, Extension 0.

Coffee and cookies are served to guests. The hotel is also offering a 10-percent discount on hotel bookings that weekend for people purchasing tickets to the concert.