Acoustic Evenings Spring 2023 Series

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.

April 7 » Greg Douglass, Blossom and Bloom, Ritmo Latino

Guitarist Greg Douglass has toured and recorded with Van Morrison, Duane Eddy, Link Wray, Hot Tuna, Dave Mason, and Eddie Money and co-wrote and played on the Steve Miller Band hit “Jungle Love.” Blossom and Bloom is an organically grown local duet featuring legendary virtuoso Jeff Bloom on guitar, and vocals with Sandra Herrera on lead vocals and percussion. The San Diego Music Award-winning acoustic duo have been performing together at many of San Diego’s most prestigious venues, special events, coffee shops, and Farmer’s Markets throughout the city for the last 5 years. Ritmo Latino is a supergroup of four friends who play some of the finest Latin music today in San Diego.

April 21 » Wax, Billy Galewood, Jefferson Jay

Wax is mostly known as a rapper. He is also a producer, songwriter, singer (kinda), comedian, and all around creative dude. Billy Galewood is an American singer, songwriter and rapper from Cleveland, Ohio. Long-time curator and host of Acoustic Evenings, Jay is at home with the Athenaeum audience.

May 5 » Fred Benedetti, MohaviSoul, Trails and Rails

Fred Benedetti was born in Sasebo, Japan, and began playing the guitar at the age of 9. In 1986 he was one of the 12 guitarists chosen worldwide to perform in the Master Class of Andres Segovia at USC. MohaviSoul is a 6-piece, award-winning working band. The resurgence of acoustic music encouraged guitarist-singer Mark Miller and singer-mandolin player Randy Hanson to form MohaviSoul in 2012. A love of Western history and cowboy and train songs inspired Walt Richards and Paula Strong to form Trails and Rails.

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.

Host or Publisher Athenaeum Music & Arts Library