BSCCA Kicks Off 2025 Concert Season
Last updated 1/23/2025 at 10:14am

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)
The Borrego Springs Community Concert Association (BSCCA) brought an extraordinary musical experience to Borrego Springs on January 14, 2025. Held at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center, 590 Palm Canyon Drive, the event featured a daytime outreach performance for local students followed by an inspiring evening concert for the public.
Daytime Magic for Local Students
During the morning, students ages 5 to 11 were bused to the Performing Arts Center, where Joe Scott and Hannah Alkire of Acoustic Eidolon introduced them to the magic of live music. Highlights of the interactive session included a lively rendition of "Old McDonald," where Hannah created farm animal sounds on her cello, and the anti-bullying anthem, "Don't Laugh at Me," which emphasized kindness and compassion. Joe showcased his unique double-neck guitjo, fascinating the young audience with its harp-like tones.
As the session ended, the students eagerly asked questions, ranging from "What's the most exciting place you've traveled to?" to "What's the story behind the stickers on your cello case?" Their enthusiasm underscored the impact of the performance, with many declaring, "This was the best day ever!"
Exploring Borrego Springs
Between performances, Joe and Hannah immersed themselves in the beauty and hospitality of Borrego Springs. They dined at local favorites, including Calico's, Carlee's, and Carmelita's, and explored iconic landmarks like Galleta Meadows, where they marveled at the metal sculptures. Their adventures also took them hiking through Slot Canyon and the Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail, with a quick stop at the Visitor Center and Borrego Outfitters for maps and keepsakes – Hannah even added a new sticker to her cello case.
An Enchanting Evening Performance
That evening, Acoustic Eidolon returned to the stage for a sold-out concert. Their set list blended original compositions like Stonehaven with classics such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Sound of Silence, and Hallelujah. The audience was captivated by the duo's storytelling, humor, and musical artistry. Joe's double-neck guitjo and Hannah's emotive cello created a dynamic and unforgettable soundscape, drawing laughter, tears, and thunderous applause.
Connection with the Community
After the concert, Joe and Hannah met with attendees in the lobby, where they signed CDs, posed for photos, and exchanged heartfelt conversations with fans. Members of the BSCCA board and BSPAC's Technical Director, John Young, joined for a group photo, capturing the camaraderie and community spirit that defined the event.
Reflecting on their visit, Joe and Hannah shared, "Borrego Springs has such a special corner of the world. The stillness, the stars, and the warmth of the people made our time here unforgettable. We can't wait to return!"
About BSCCA
BSCCA is dedicated to enriching the Borrego Springs community by bringing world-class music and cultural experiences to the desert. Visit http://www.bspac.org for information on upcoming events.
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!"