Borrego Springs Community Concert Association Kicks Off the 2025 Season
Thanks to the
Borrego Springs Community Concert Association (BSCCA), the 2025 concert season began with a
sold-out performance by
Acoustic Eidolon at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Joe Scott and Hannah Alkire, the acclaimed duo behind Acoustic Eidolon, delivered an unforgettable evening filled with their unique blend of original compositions, reimagined classics, and engaging storytelling.
Their performance set the tone for an inspiring year of live music in Borrego Springs, leaving the community buzzing with praise the next day about the incredible show.
Stories and Music Intertwined
Joe and Hannah showcased their talent and humor through memorable pieces like
One Old Wreck, where Joe shared funny tales of cars needing passengers to lift off the seat to start or turn signals that made the horn honk. Balancing the humor,
75 North Second Street offered a heartfelt tribute to home, full of nostalgic warmth.
Hannah’s solo,
Journey from Water to Sky, written for her son Zach, captured the bittersweet beauty of a mother watching her child step into independence, leaving a lasting impression.
Inspired by the Faroe Islands
Acoustic Eidolon also shared stories from their June 2019 tour in the Faroe Islands, including a humorous tale of a farmer on Kalsoy Island who began charging for tours after his land was featured in a James Bond movie. Kalsoy’s dramatic landscapes served as the backdrop for the movie’s finale in No Time to Die. The duo honored their experience by performing a stunning rendition of Billie Eilish’s theme song from the film, blending their signature sound with the cinematic atmosphere of the piece.
A Blend of Originals and Classics
The program showcased original compositions like
Stonehaven, alongside breathtaking renditions of classics such as Sound of Silence, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Hallelujah. Joe’s double-neck guitjo brought a harp-like richness to the arrangements, while Hannah’s cello added emotional depth and versatility, creating a dynamic sound that captivated the audience.
After the Performance
After the performance, Joe and Hannah (Acoustic Eidolon) spent time in the lobby connecting with patrons and selling their merchandise. The evening concluded with a group photo featuring members of the
Borrego Springs Community Concert Association board and
BSPAC’s Technical Director.
Pictured above, in order:
Joe Scott,
Hannah Alkire
(Acoustic Eidolon),
John Young (BSPAC Technical Director),
Virginia Sloan Perrin,
Jeff Meagher,
Richard Gray, and
Joan Kirk. (Some of the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association board of directors)
Borrego Springs Reflections from Acoustic Eidolon
After their unforgettable performance, Acoustic Eidolon shared their heartfelt reflections on their time in Borrego Springs & the Anza Borrego State Park:
"We had a wonderful day in Borrego Springs! At the end of the concert, we'd asked the audience to give us suggestions for things to do and see, and we honestly expected maybe a few people would come tell us things on their way out. But instead, the audience was collectively calling out all KINDS of wonderful ideas and hikes and suggestions! A woman in the front said she'd give us a tour for $500 (like the Faroese farmer in a story we told before singing "No Time to Die"), and another woman called out from further back, "I'll give you a tour for free!" It was just such a playful, fun and memorable moment to share with them all! So....we went to Galleta Meadows and saw the metal sculptures, we took a hike in Slot Canyon (and shot a reel and posted it to our social media, to take them in our pockets on this cool and breathtaking hike), and then we ate lunch at
Calico's, headed to the visitor center to shop and get more maps, and then took the hike up to the
Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail!
We wished we had another week to keep hiking and exploring, but we did run into people from the concert around town, and ate dinner that night at
Carmelita's (which was excellent)! The night of the concert, we ate at
Carlee's...such a great menu! We also poked into the
Center Market, the other
Grocery Store, and the
Borrego Outfitters, where we gathered various treasures and souvenirs. AND....in the small
Anza-Borrego State Park store, Hannah found a sticker for her cello case! So....you all will be coming with us on all of our tours from here.
We honestly just fell in love with the people, the children and the area. You all have such a special corner of the world. The colors as the sun set, hiking our very first slot canyon, the stillness and stars over the desert, the coyotes, and the sound of wind in the palm trees at the oasis....it was an unforgettable set of experiences that we'll carry with us always.
We cannot wait until our path can return to Borrego Springs to play again for you all. Thank you for warming our hearts!"
Joe and Hannah
www.acousticeidolon.com
Learn More About Borrego Springs
January 21, 2026
The 13th Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped January 18, 2026, with sold-out screenings, red carpet moments, awards, and strong community turnout. The 13th Annual Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped up January 18, 2026, closing five days of independent cinema, conversation, and community energy. Events were held throughout Borrego Springs, including free screenings at the Borrego Springs Library and ticketed block screenings and awards ceremonies at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Borrego Springs Film Institute, the festival continued its traditional, theater-first format that brings people together to watch films in shared spaces and talk about them afterward. Several screening blocks sold out during the week, reflecting strong local interest and visiting attendance. That connection was clear during the live-streamed red carpet. Host Brianna Pinto described one of the festival’s defining qualities by saying, “Filmmakers get to interact directly with the audience,” noting that Borrego Springs draws viewers who truly watch and engage with the films. Filmmakers echoed that experience in different ways. A King’s Curtain director Grannan Johnson said it was especially meaningful to hear audience members tell him, “Oh yes, I saw your film,” calling Borrego Springs “a fun place to be” with “really nice, great people.” Documentary filmmaker Mitch Yapko (Watching Walter) described a moment when a full theater reacted together, saying the shared gasp from the audience made it clear they were fully engaged. The setting itself also left an impression. Actress Laura Bolin (Rage, Rhonda) called the enthusiasm of Borrego Springs audiences “contagious” and encouraged visitors to explore the landscape, describing the area as a place to “just wander” and take in the desert views.
January 20, 2026
Event Overview The Doobie Doubles present The Ultimate Doobie Brothers Tribute, a live concert celebrating the music of the legendary rock band The Doobie Brothers . The performance recreates the sound, harmonies, and stage energy associated with decades of Doobie Brothers hits. The Band The Doobie Doubles is a professional tribute band known for faithfully performing classic Doobie Brothers material. Band members include Rick Erbe, Mike Leffler, Sheldon Bonada, Ray Bergstrom, Pete Hopkins, and Daniel Osterstock. Date, Time, and Venue Date: January 25, 2026 Time: 3:00 PM Venue: Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center Address: 590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, California The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center hosts a range of concerts, theater productions, and community performances throughout the season. Tickets Tickets: Available online Website: bspac.org Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tribute concerts like this one offer audiences the opportunity to experience iconic music performed live in an intimate setting. With a focus on musical accuracy and stage presence, The Doobie Doubles deliver a performance designed for longtime fans and new listeners alike.
January 20, 2026
Event Overview The Denim & Diamonds Gala is a hoedown-style fundraising event celebrating three decades of community care by the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) . Proceeds from the gala support programs that strengthen the well-being of Borrego Valley residents, including healthcare, education, arts, environmental initiatives, and community development. Live Music and Entertainment Live music will be provided by Sean Oliu and the Coastline Cowboys. The program also includes cowboy poetry by Carey Peck, along with line dancing, auctions, and interactive activities throughout the afternoon. Date, Time, and Location Date: February 21, 2026 Time: 2:00–5:00 PM Location: The Center 590 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, California Tickets and Food Tickets: $100 per person Pre-order: give@bvefund.org Availability: Limited tickets available at the event Food will be served by Pablito’s, with a cash bar available.
January 20, 2026
First day of mural work at Christmas Circle: Gabriel Wisdom with mural artist Anne-Sophie Gaudet and assistant Romain on site at 730 Christmas Circle.
January 18, 2026
Supervisor candidate Rebecca Jones met Borrego Springs residents at a BBQ luncheon at Rams Hill to discuss housing, education, busing, healthcare, and quality of life.
January 18, 2026
The 27th Annual Borrego Springs Golf Classic takes place on Friday, February 20, 2026, at de Anza Desert Country Club. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego , this annual event brings golfers, supporters, and community members together for a day of golf and giving in Borrego Springs. All proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the Borrego Springs Branch , supporting programs that help local youth succeed academically, build good character, and develop healthy lifestyles. The event features a scramble-style round of golf , on-course activities, auctions, and a hosted lunch. It’s designed to be both competitive and social, welcoming participants looking to enjoy a meaningful day on the course while supporting youth programs in the Borrego Valley. Sponsorship & Participation A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals interested in supporting the event and the Borrego Springs Branch. Sponsorships provide visibility throughout the tournament and help fund essential youth services. Event Details Date: Friday, February 20, 2026 Location: de Anza Desert Country Club 509 Catarina Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Registration and additional event details are available through the event website. Learn More About Borrego Springs
January 17, 2026
NBC 7 San Diego
January 16, 2026
Circle of Art: March 14–15, 2026
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