Tallman Hotel presents: Acoustic blues duo Schermer and Santana
A Concert with Conversation set for Feb. 9
UPPER LAKE >> Blues lovers won’t want to miss the next “Concert with Conversation” in the Tallman Hotel Meeting House in Upper Lake at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9. The Blue Wing’s favorite blues guitarist, singer and songwriter “Mighty Mike” Schermer will be paired with blues harp master and bandleader Andy Santana.
“Both of these guys have played the Blue Wing on Monday nights leading their own bands,” says Tallman owner Bernie Butcher. “This will be quite different, though, as they’ll be on acoustic instruments and giving us a nice, intimate history of the blues.”
Mike Schermer was a fixture on the West Coast scene for 20 years when he moved to Austin, Texas as lead guitarist with the legendary band headed by Marcia Ball. When they’re free of other obligations, Schermer and Santana have enjoyed getting together in smaller acoustic venues to give audiences a real feel for the blues genre.
Schermer calls Santana an awesome harmonica player, guitarist and vocalist. “We had a band together in the Bay Area for 8 years,” he says, “and we used to back all kinds of blues legends when they came to town and did several tours to Europe. Andy’s a big reason I still love to do what I’ve been doing for 30 years.”
Schermer’s discography lists over 25 album appearances with some of the blues’ greatest performers, but his last four solo albums have established him as hands down one of the top songwriters in the genre.
“In addition to the great music, what I like about Mike,” says Butcher, “is his sparkling personality, engaging wit and deep knowledge of the music.”
“Our long history really shines when we play together,” Mike says. “My girlfriend says it’s like we’re finishing each other’s sentences, only with music instead of talk. And speaking of talk, he’s got some great stories to tell as well.”
Coffee and cookies are served as part of the $25 + tax price of admission. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com (https://www.eventbrite. com/e/84630976529) and further information can be obtained at the Tallman Hotel (707- 275-2244 ext. 0). The hotel is also offering a 10% discount on hotel bookings that weekend for people purchasing tickets to the concert.