Andrea McKenna • July 8, 2026
Flashback: Bill & Jenny Wright’s Lasting Impact On Community Concerts
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When the future of the Community Concert Association was uncertain, Bill Wright inspired a path forward through growth, volunteers and community support.
As the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association announces its new season, it is worth remembering the people who helped keep this tradition alive.
Founded in 1975, the all-volunteer nonprofit brings high-quality, eclectic music to Borrego Springs. Each season includes five public concerts and four free educational concerts for local students. Children are bused to the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center to experience professional live music, and musicians also visit local schools for interactive programs that introduce students to music up close.
That tradition almost came to an end.
When the Association had fallen on hard times (2015) and was preparing to disband, Bill Wright stepped forward. By reaching out to his many business associates, Bill raised enough money to help save the organization and keep professional musicians coming to the Borrego stage.
Among his written correspondence with the board, Bill Wright repeatedly advocated for
“growth, not reduction,” encouraged members to
“recruit new volunteers” and
“develop sponsorship opportunities,” and closed one letter with a promise that captured his commitment:
“We will do more than our share to keep the great music series going.”
Richard Gray, who later served as Managing Director, and the board took on that mission and ran with it, helping preserve both public concerts at the theater and free school concerts for Borrego Springs students. In a rural community without formal music education, these programs give many local children one of their only opportunities to experience professional live music and stage performance up close. Gray continues to support the Association behind the scenes.
Today, Virginia Sloan Perrin, who has been involved with the Association for decades, serves as chair alongside a dedicated volunteer board.
As Gray remembered, “Bill was my friend. And a friend to many other causes in our community. Next time you visit the Library, say, thank you! I always do.”
The Borrego Springs Community Concert Association continues because of volunteers, donors, members and sponsors who believe live music should be accessible to everyone, including Borrego Springs’ youngest audiences.
To support the new season, student performances and the future of live music in Borrego Springs, consider becoming a member, sponsor or donor.
Hands-On Music Education Inspires the Next Generation
Elizabeth Renner and Jinny Perrin, both retired music teachers and BSCCA board members, help guide the student programs by bringing hands-on music education and experience directly to local students.
Local students are bused to the theater to enjoy a free live concert.
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To support the future of local media and preserve the past, please contact Andrea at
andrea@rammediafoundation.org.
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