This is the opening night of the 18th annual Labor Day weekend Blue Wing Blues Festival held at sunset in the garden between the Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing restaurant.  Beginning at 6:15 each evening, guests are treated to two outstanding blues bands plus a delicious barbeque dinner, all for a price of $75 + tax per person.  Tickets can be purchased by calling the Hotel at (707) 275-2244 ext. 0.

Tonight’s theme is “Women in Blues Experience” with four outstanding female blues artists opening for the incomparable Tia Carroll and her Band.

The high energy keyboard stylings of Pamela Charlles “Phamma Jamma” Arthur back three of the leading blues vocalists in the Bay Area.  Johnny Nitro protégée Otilia Donaire, has been a noted songwriter, bandleader and recording artist in San Francisco since 2009, with several visits to the Blue Wing.  Lead singer with the popular Carmen Ratti Band, Jill Dineen made a name for herself in the Southeast before returning to her Bay Area roots.  And the classically trained and wonderfully expressive vocalist Marina Crouse rounds out the group.

And then sit back and enjoy the powerful vocals of the Bay Area’s blues singer supreme Tia Carroll.  Tia has headlined venues and festivals all over the world with her band and she’s shared stages all the way from Ray Charles to Tommy Castro and Elvin Bishop.  Her upbeat and engaging manner and unique blues interpretations guarantee a great performance each time.  Tia’s band consists of Ian Lamson on guitar, David Sobel on keys, Diane Dutra on bass and percussionist Leon joyce.