January 18, 2025
Acoustic Eidolon Opens Concert Season in Borrego Springs
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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
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