Sierra Marin
Jack Tempchin
Gaby Aparicio
Israel Maldonado
Fridays, October 13, 20 & 27; November 10, 2023
7:30 PM
The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, with Acoustic Evenings originator and presenter Jefferson Jay, will commemorate the 15th anniversary of Acoustic Evenings by recognizing the Athenaeum’s history of leadership by women with a series of concerts driven by women with world-class talent. We will also celebrate our special anniversary with some nods to highlights of our first 15 years, particularly our initial season in fall 2008.
Friday, October 13, 7:30 PM
Singer-songwriter Bri Schillings, “I write, sing and play songs that are born from the heart.” She feels that music has the power to heal through what she calls “soul vitamins.” Her seductive and powerful voice will take you on a journey where the heart and the soul meet.
After graduation from UC Santa Barbara, singer-guitarist Sierra Marin took a different direction and travelled the United States for two years supporting herself by playing at markets and on street corners. There, she experienced first-hand the incredible power of intentional music to empower and heal.
Violinist Jamie Shadowlight plays jazz and Latin-influenced music. Her ambitious local performances have included collaborations with local legend Gilbert Castellanos. Her instrument of choice is an electric violin matched with various effects pedals. Her ethereal energy opens pathways with each note.
Friday, October 20, 7:30 PM
Sue Palmer aka the Queen of Boogie Woogie, Sultana of Swing, and Lady Who Skates on the 88s, has amazed audiences all over the world with her unique style and phenomenal left hand for over 30 years. She has won numerous San Diego Music Awards and had a day named after her by the city in 2008.
Singer-guitarist-keyboardist Jack Tempchin is a legendary writer of hit songs, including “Peaceful Easy Feeling” recorded by the Eagles. He has toured extensively as a solo artist over the years, opening for Ringo Starr, Jackson Browne, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris, to name a few.
Singer-songwriter Lisa Sanders has a musical style that can only be described as a soulful country blues; her genres include folk pop, gospel, rock and jazz. Sanders has worked with musical legends including the Truckee Brothers, Lucinda Williams, Bonnie Raitt, Al Green, BB King, and Babyface.
Friday, October 27, 7:30 PM
The late singer-songwriter Don Truesdail, who had a profound impact on other musicians, played at the Athenaeum’s first Acoustic Evenings series on October 27, 2008. As a tribute to this great man and his music in our 15th anniversary season, his close friend Jefferson Jay will share his songs.
Hugh Gaskins, who performed in our debut series in 2008 and has encored in the last 15 years, plays multiple instruments in a powerful fusion of blues, rockabilly, and mountain music along with influences from gospel, Elvis, John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, and Big Joe Williams.
Singer-songwriter Gaby Aparicio is inspired by her coastal Uruguayan and Italian family roots. She performs her signature fusion of Latin, world, pop, reggae, and soul with various configurations of her band, La Buena Onda, at venues and festivals, such as the Music Box and Adams Avenue Unplugged.
Friday, November 10, 7:30 PM
15th anniversary Special Bonus Show
Singer Marie Haddad has a songwriting and piano style that has been described as “somewhere between Kate Bush and Leonard Cohen” (San Diego Downtown News). Her music has been featured on national television and in several independent films; she performs regularly in San Diego and nationally.
Israel Maldonado has been performing in and around Southern California for more than 25 years. His performances include education, entertainment, and a humble warmth that delights Athenaeum audiences every time. Trained in classical guitar from a young age, he performs a blend of Latin and pop music.
Guitarist Jimmy Patton and percussionist Enrique Platas incorporate flamenco, Middle Eastern, salsa, calypso, Brazilian, and other world rhythms into their music. Listeners experience virtuosic guitar passages accompanied by exotic percussive rhythms producing a fiery sound.
The concerts will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for these events. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. 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.
Masks optional. If you have a fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms, please stay home.