Acoustic Eidolon Inspires Borrego Springs Students Through Music
The Borrego Springs Community Concert Association (BSCCA) created an unforgettable experience for local students by bringing the
world-renowned duo Acoustic Eidolon to the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Students from local schools, ages 5 to 11, were bused to the theater for a lively and interactive daytime session. Joe Scott and Hannah Alkire introduced them to the magic of live instruments and storytelling through music, filling the space with laughter, curiosity, and joy.
That evening, Acoustic Eidolon returned to the stage for a public concert at the Performing Arts Center. Open to BSCCA members and the public, tickets were also available at the box office, ensuring that as many as possible could experience their exceptional talent.
Bringing Music to Borrego Springs Kids
Thanks to
BSCCA's commitment to making music accessible to everyone, students from Borrego Springs schools were bused to the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center for a special daytime performance. The theater was filled with children ages 5 to 11, their excitement palpable as they experienced the rare opportunity to see world-class musicians up close.
From the moment Joe and Hannah took the stage, the energy in the room was electric. The students clapped, sang along, and even danced in their seats to familiar tunes. One of the most memorable moments was a lively rendition of "Old McDonald," where Hannah made farm animal sounds with her cello, and the kids enthusiastically shouted out the animals and joined in singing.
The sound of mooing cows, meowing kittens, and even unicorns coming from the cello made for an interactive and delightful exchange between Hannah, Joe, and the audience, keeping the children giggling and engaged.
Shop Acoustic Eidolon's Music
Bring their captivating sound home!
Lessons Through Music: Anti-Bullying and More
Music has the power to teach life lessons, and Acoustic Eidolon made sure to share messages of kindness and empathy. One highlight of the performance was their anti-bullying song, "Don't Laugh at Me," which resonated deeply with the young audience. The children listened intently as Joe and Hannah used their music to encourage compassion and understanding.
The duo also took time to introduce their unique instruments. Joe’s double-neck guitar (guitjo), a custom creation combining the sounds of a guitar and banjo, left the kids fascinated. Hannah’s cello demonstrated an incredible range—from deep, soulful notes to playful, high-pitched melodies—captivating the young crowd with its versatility.
Q&A Session: Kids Ask the Best Questions
After the performance, students had the chance to ask Joe and Hannah their questions, sparking a lively and curious exchange. Their inquiries ranged from “How much does a guitar cost?” and “What are the words in the French song Hannah sang?” to the story behind the stickers covering Hannah’s cello case.
One moment that stood out was when a child asked Hannah if all the stickers on her cello case were from her travels. Smiling, Hannah said, "Yes!"
Even as students were called to line up and return to school, a small group stayed near the stage, eager to continue the conversation. Hannah knelt down to listen, taking time to answer their questions, while Joe stood nearby, answering with his own stories and insights. Together, they created a warm and engaging atmosphere that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
Here’s a list of memorable comments from kids leaving the performance:
- "That was the best day ever!"
- "I want to bring my mom and grandma to hear this."
- "I want a three-neck guitar!"
- "I loved the sound the donkey made!"
- "I loved her voice."
- "They are so nice."
- "I want to be on that stage!"
These heartfelt reactions highlight the impact of the event on the students and their excitement about music and performance.
A Day of Music and Inspiration
Acoustic Eidolon's visit brought the community together through the power of music, inspiring students and captivating audiences. Thanks to BSCCA, the arts continue to enrich Borrego Springs.
Why Music Outreach Matters
In small, rural communities like Borrego Springs, exposure to live music can be transformative for children. These experiences spark creativity, foster a love for the arts, and inspire dreams that may have otherwise seemed out of reach.
The BSCCA’s outreach program demonstrates the powerful role that community organizations play in enriching the lives of young people. By funding the bus rides to the theater and making live music accessible to all, they are opening doors for future musicians, artists, and creators.
Get Involved in Supporting Music Education
Want to support programs like this? The Borrego Springs Community Concert Association relies on community contributions to bring world-class musicians to the desert. Donations, sponsorships, and ticket purchases help ensure that students continue to experience the magic of live music.
Visit
borregoconcerts.org to learn more about upcoming performances and how you can support music education in Borrego Springs.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
December 6, 2025
The second community Shape Note Sing in Borrego Springs
December 1, 2025
Jeanne & Jan Are Back at The Mall Offering Light Repairs for the Community Every first Monday of the month, they set up in front of Tubs Laundromat and Community Valley Bank at The Mall, offering helpful light repairs such as mending, patches, buttons, and hems. The service is always free. If you choose to donate, every donation goes directly to a local Borrego Springs charity. Check Borrego Events to confirm time & dates.
December 1, 2025
A Musical Celebration at BSPAC
November 30, 2025
A Charlie Brown Christmas piano concert with pianist, arranger, and conductor Steve Hunter at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on December 21 at 3 PM.
November 26, 2025
Cindie Horn – Textile Artist & Slow Fashion Creator Meet one of the makers featured at Desert Lovers & Co. Cindie Horn has spent years working with fabric, guided by an appreciation for slow fashion and craftsmanship built on time, patience, and intention. She sources and collects textiles gathered over the years and transforms them into pieces that feel personal, functional, and thoughtfully made. Her work at Desert Lovers & Co includes upcycled and embellished denim jackets, colorful phone and tablet pillows, and her popular fabric cactus sculptures. Each piece reflects her eye for detail and her interest in experimenting with textures, patterns, and new techniques. Cindie enjoys challenging herself creatively and exploring fresh ideas through fabric. Her belief that handmade items add comfort, character, and warmth to everyday life comes through clearly in her designs. Desert Lovers & Co is proud to feature the work of Cindie Horn both in the shop and online at DesertLoversandCo.com . Visit Soon: 583 Palm Canyon Dr. Suite D, Borrego Springs, CA, United States, 92004
By Fr. Michael Plekon
•
November 26, 2025
A reflection on Advent’s meaning and the saints who show us how to wait with purpose.
November 25, 2025
Happy Thanksgiving! The Borrego Springs Welcome Sign committee is grateful to the many individuals and businesses who have supported efforts to construct the first new “Welcome to Borrego Springs” sign since the 1970’s. Because of their support, we have raised almost $29,000. Donations have ranged from $10 - $5,000 and we are thankful for every single dollar. Apparently costs to construct and install the signs have gone up significantly in the last year and a half. Therefore, when we thought we had almost reached our fundraising goal, we were told we might need as much as 50% more. The Borrego Village Association has got to work looking at alternative vendors, we are currently requesting estimates, and still hoping to get the job done for closer to the original estimate. If you pledged funds, that pledge will likely be requested in December or January. If you donated cash, please know that it is safely in an account earmarked for the welcome sign. If you haven’t donated yet, PLEASE DO! More funding is certainly needed and appreciated, especially as we have two more signs to construct after this one. To donate: The Borrego Village Association, a 501c(6) c, nonprofit organization, is leading the fundraising. Contributions checks can be made out to the Borrego Village Association and sent to Borrego Village Association. P.O. Box 1133, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. Donations can also be made via PayPal found on our website at BorregoVillageAssociation.org, or made via Zelle transfer. Pledges can be made using the form below. If you have any questions or require further information, email BorregoVillage@gmail.com Happy holidays and with many thanks to those who have - or will - donate, The Welcome Sign Committee - Jim Dion, Bruce Durbin, Nancy McRae, Alicia Wszelaki -- James Dion Executive Director Borrego Village Association Learn More About Borrego Springs
November 24, 2025
Enter the 20th Anniversary Photo Contest Anza-Borrego Foundation’s Photo Contest celebrates two decades of photography that helps reveal what most visitors never see. This milestone year honors the images that have captured the Park’s hidden moments—fleeting blooms, rare wildlife, dramatic weather, and the quiet details across 650,000 acres of desert terrain. Below is a simple overview of what participants can expect this year. For full details and to submit your photos, visit ABF’s website. Why the Contest Matters Showcases what is often missed in the Park’s vast, remote landscapes Highlights the biodiversity and resilience of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Helps people connect more deeply with the land through visual storytelling Why Photography Supports Conservation 65% of people are visual learners Visual content increases engagement by 94% Images are processed 60,000x faster than text—one photo can say what pages cannot Awards & Recognition (Full descriptions available on the ABF website) Best in Show: Ribbon + resort stay + dinner + ABF program Category Winners: Ribbons + ABF membership Honorable Mention & People’s Choice: Ribbon + gallery display Winning photos will be exhibited at the Borrego Art Institute in early 2026 2026 Categories People Enjoying the Park Animals of Anza-Borrego Desert Black & White Landscapes Nightscapes Plants New: Youth Category (high school and younger) Cell phone photographs accepted in all categories How to Enter (Round 1 Overview) Submit up to 10 photos Upload JPEG files under 5 MB Photos from any year are eligible All online entries considered for People’s Choice Judges select finalists to move to Round 2 (print submission) Deadline Submit your photos by December 10, 2025. Learn more, read the full rules, and enter online: theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/ Learn more and enter at: theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/ Learn More About Borrego Springs
November 24, 2025
A full month of creative workshops, hands-on learning, and holiday projects December at the Borrego Art Institute brings a full schedule of classes for all ages and skill levels—from drawing and sculpture to kids’ art, yarn-making, and an olive oil tasting at the ArtPark Café. Whether you’re a resident, seasonal visitor, or weekend explorer, Studio West offers plenty of ways to create, learn, and enjoy the season.
November 23, 2025
The Thanksgiving Eve Service brought the community together at Borrego Springs Community UMC for an evening centered on gratitude, reflection, and the shared bonds that carry Borrego Springs through each year. Guided by local clergy, and volunteers, the service offered a mix of music, readings, and stories that highlighted both faith and community care. Coming Together in Gratitude Pastor Mateo Mamea opened the service with a call to give thanks, setting the tone for an evening of reflection. Rev. Michael Plekon followed with the opening prayer, encouraging gratitude for daily blessings and the natural world that surrounds Borrego Springs. Readings, Music, and Reflections Scripture readings were shared by Cmdr. Dale Jones and Rev. David Madsen, with additional participation from Ellen Fitzpatrick. Pastor Mamea offered the homily, focusing on gratitude and living with intention. Music added depth and warmth to the service. Jennie and Gary Edwards performed “For the Beauty of the Earth,” and the combined choir, directed by Jinny Perrin, contributed an uplifting anthem. Voices From the Community Martha offered stories about the Borrego Ministers Association—how it began, how it supports people in crisis, and why its work matters. Her remarks helped newcomers and longtime residents better understand the BMA’s role in meeting urgent needs throughout the year. Supporting Local Needs An offering was collected to support the ongoing work of the Borrego Ministers Association , which provides emergency assistance and support services for individuals and families in Borrego Springs.
Show More
