Acoustic Evenings
Acoustic Evenings with Jefferson Jay
Fridays, November 6, 13, 20, 2026
We are pleased to present Acoustic Evenings, an intimate concert series celebrating the talent and creativity of San Diego’s acoustic music community. Each evening brings together multiple artists for a unique program of live music and storytelling, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the performers and their music in a relaxed,
up-close setting.
Organized and hosted by San Diego Music Hall of Fame founder Jefferson Jay, Acoustic Evenings highlights a diverse lineup of local musicians and songwriters in an unplugged format where the stories behind the songs are just as much a part of the experience as the music itself.
Presented in our Great Room, the series offers a warm and personal night of music designed for those who enjoy discovering local talent and connecting with artists in an intimate setting.
TICKET DETAILS
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Ticket purchase confirmations are emailed. Printing a receipt or confirmation is NOT required. After purchase, your name is added to our list. Check-in with a valid ID.
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Tickets are non-refundable or transferable except in the event of a canceled performance.
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Location: La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla 92037.
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The artist line-up is subject to change.
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No outside food or refreshments are allowed.
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Snacks and refreshments are available for sale.
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Tickets are general admission. First come first serve. Indoor and outdoor seating.
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Doors open at 7pm.
Purchase tickets below or by phone at (858) 459-0831.
Questions?
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Email us at avani@ljcommunitycenter.org or call us at (858) 459-0831
November 6
Tim Flannery, Jefferson Jay, Steve Bulman
About Tim Flannery
A celebrated singer-songwriter with 14 albums to his name, Tim Flannery blends bluegrass, country, and rock into heartfelt narratives about love, travel, and life on the road. A three-time World Series champion coach with the San Francisco Giants, he and his wife also founded the Love Harder Project, a nonprofit with an anti-bullying focus.
About Jefferson Jay
Jefferson Jay is a San Diego poet, songwriter, storyteller, and arts advocate who has written more than 2,000 songs, published four poetry collections, and released 15 albums. He has hosted open mics for more than 24 years, founded the San Diego Music Hall of Fame, and curated the Athenaeum’s Acoustic Evenings concert series since 2008. His latest project, The Hunt for the Holiday Spirit, celebrates belonging, kindness, and community through music, storytelling, and children’s literature.
About Steve Bulman
A virtuoso guitar player of 30 years, Stephen Bulman specializes in percussive fingerstyle music. Known for his distinctive use of harmonics and pitch bending, his tranquil compositions create a soothing auditory experience.
Friday, November 6. 7:30 PM. Doors open at 7:00 PM.
$20/Members, $25/Non-Members. Door $30.
November 13
Fred Benedetti, Gayle Skidmore, Rob Deez
About Fred Benedetti
Fred Benedetti, a San Diego Music Hall of Famer studied classical guitar with Segovia but also plays jazz, some folk and rock, and even a little
flamenco. He is featured on over 200 CD’s and numerous movie soundtracks and TV ads.
About Gayle Skidmore
Gayle Skidmore has written over 2,500 songs since she began composing at age eight. A multi-instrumentalist trained in classical piano, Skidmore has mastered over 20 instruments and blends folk, pop, and classical influences into her award-winning songwriting.
About Rob Deez
“I’m a comedic singer-songrhymer,” says Rob Deez, “which basically means that I can appeal to many different audiences. The comedic side fits in at comedy shows, the singer side works at coffee shops and bars, and the rhyming side does well at hip-hop shows.”
A longtime vet of local musical theater, particularly at City College’s Saville Theatre, Deez, delivers San Diego music like no other and cherishes each chance he gets to entertain.
Friday, November 13. 7:30 PM. Doors open at 7:00 PM.
$20/Members, $25/Non-Members. Door $30.
November 20
Lisa Sanders and Brown Sugar, Ashley E Norton, Cathryn Beeks
About Lisa Sanders
Singer-songwriter Lisa Sanders calls her sound soulful country blues, with touches of folk, gospel, rock, and jazz. She has shared the stage with legends like Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams, and BB King, and has worked with Al Green and Babyface. Lisa has eight CD releases, five on her own label, Maya Jade Music. Her album Shiver was nominated for a San Diego Music Award, and she is a two-time San Diego Best Acoustic Artist. Every song she sings is honest, heartfelt, and full of passion.
About Ashley E Norton
Ashley Norton is the leader of the all-female Americana band Lady Psychiatrist’s Booth and creator of the popular all-female songwriter showcase Songbirds. Her performances feature original compositions and unique renditions of beloved classics.
About Cathryn Beeks
Cathryn Beeks, inducted in to The San Diego Music Hall of Fame in 2024, has been serving San Diego's local music community since October of 2003 producing music festivals, songwriter showcases, radio and web shows, kid's shows, cookbooks, calendars, music compilations, camping events and a weekly blog to amplify San Diego music.
Friday, November 20. 7:30 PM. Doors open at 7:00 PM.
$20/Members, $25/Non-Members. Door $30.
