Fridays, October 1 & 15; November 12, 2021
7:30 PM
The Acoustic Evenings series at the Athenaeum showcases some of the finest acoustic musicians in San Diego. Three acts fill each program and attentive audiences delight in the intimacy of the unplugged storytelling format. Refreshments are available at the intermission reception and post-concert meet-and-greet. San Diego Music Hall of Fame founder Jefferson Jay curates and hosts the concert series. The project advances the Athenaeum’s commitment to support diverse San Diego talent. Acoustic Evenings is an unforgettable and personal experience for San Diego music lovers.
October 1
Sue Palmer, San Diego’s Queen of Boogie Woogie, has amazed audiences all over the world with her unique style and phenomenal left hand for over 30 years. She was inducted into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame in 2018, had a day named after her by the city in 2008, and won numerous San Diego Music Awards for her bands and albums. She has recorded over 12 albums under her own name, securing local and international awards.
Rob Deez says, “I’m a comedic singer-songrhymer, which basically means that I can appeal to many different audiences. The comedic side fits in at comedy shows, the singer side works at coffee shops and bars, and the rhyming side does well at hip-hop shows.”A longtime vet of local musical theater, particularly at City College’s Saville Theatre, Deez delivers San Diego music like no other and cherishes each chance he gets to entertain Athenaeum members.
Jon Zampese, a high energy performer, writes a danceable blend of soul, pop, jazz, and R&B. Think George Benson’s “Give Me the Night” with mud on the boots. Zamp counts the San Diego Symphony Summer Pops Series pre-show stage for Ozomatli, the Divas of Disco, and the 1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular as performance highlights. He is currently preparing a Spring 2022 EP release, BoUTIQUE SoUL.
October 15
Gregory Page is an eclectic, prolific, genre-bending performing songwriter, balladeer, recording artist, film maker, art activist, music producer, and published poet with an extensive discography. With endearing stage presence, evocative lyrics, masterful guitar work and warm voice, the London-born artist seamlessly draws from imagination and experience transcending traditions of folk, Celtic, Armenian, American Roots, ragtime, blues, swing and French Romanticism into his own signature idiom that has been described as “Americeltic.”
Jeff Berkley has been called a San Diego legend, and it’s easy to understand why. His musical contributions include his work in current bands Berkley Hart and Berkley Hart Selis Twang, as well as previous bands like The Cry, The Redwoods, and Citizen Band. An amazing guitarist and percussionist, he is also an accomplished songwriter. In any way you engage with Jeff Berkley, he puts you at ease with his good humor then engages you with his experience, his ear, and his passion.
Jamie Shadowlight, based in Pacific Beach, plays a wide range of violin repertoire, including jazz and Latin-influenced music. Her ambitious local performances have included a version of West Side Story staged with local legend Gilbert Castellanos as a Latin love story for trumpet and violin.
November 12
Wax is mostly known as a rapper. He is also a producer, songwriter, singer (kinda), comedian, and all around creative dude. He has been making music for many many years now and has a gold record and millions of views on YouTube to show for it. Wax’s songs have a wide range of styles and cater to different audiences. Some are advanced technical displays of rap wordplay; some are heartfelt tales of struggle; some are inspirational numbers containing optimistic advice and/or guidance.
Israel Maldonado has been performing in and around hot spots in Southern California for more than 20 years. His music can be heard in lounges, restaurants, and resorts, and he can be hired to play weddings, private parties and corporate events. Israel Maldonado will set the mood, get the audience groovin’, and make any event one to remember.
Jefferson Jay, always active, has current projects that include a groundbreaking, all-inclusive animated series called The Hunt for the Holiday Spirit and five upcoming acoustic records, cumulatively entitled Spring. He has been featured on over 50 CDs and numerous movie soundtracks and will host the 3rd Annual San Diego Music Hall of Fame event on November 5 at Newbreak Church in Ocean Beach.
Face coverings are required for attendees, regardless of vaccination status. These events will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of each concert.