UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The annual winter concert series at the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake continues on Sunday, March 15, at 3 p.m. in Riffe’s Meeting House next to the hotel.

The performers will be Kenny Washington, one of the country’s leading male jazz vocalists, backed by the superb guitarist Jeff Massanari.

“Two years ago, this duo created one of the most memorable afternoons we’ve had in this series,” said Tallman owner Bernie Butcher. “They went on to do a sold-out show at the Soper-Reese in Lakeport the next year. It’s great to have them back in our intimate venue at the Tallman.”

Recently dubbed “the Superman of the Bay Area jazz scene” by the San Francisco Chronicle, Kenny Washington is a jazz virtuoso who thrills audiences with his soulful interpretations, seemingly limitless range, and rapid-fire scatting.

A native of New Orleans who grew up singing gospel in church, Kenny studied various styles of music at Xavier University and then performed worldwide with the U. S. Navy band for nine years.

He then settled in the Bay Area where he has recorded, collaborated with others, and was the featured artist at the “Top of the Mark” for many years.

As Massanari said, “If you haven’t heard Kenny Washington in concert before, get ready for a jaw-dropping experience. I just love playing with him.”

Massanari studied jazz composition and performance at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. He then moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and quickly became one of the region’s most in-demand guitarists.

He is often asked to accompany artists such as Kenny Washington, Seth MacFarlane and Mark Inouye. He has also performed with the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Hall and Stern Grove as well as on tour in China.

“The intimate venue at the Tallman is a perfect showcase for Kenny,” said Massanari. “We’re both really looking forward to a relaxing and fun afternoon in Lake County.”

More information on Kenny Washington can be obtained at his website http://www.kennywashingtonvocalist.com/ and on Jeff Massanari at http://jeff-massanari.com/.

Tickets at $25 plus tax are available online at Eventbrite.com or 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 for people purchasing tickets to the concert.