Evans & Raney
Joel Rafael
Gayle Skidmore
Fridays, April 10, 2026
7:30 PM
The series continues Friday, April 10, with Evans & Raney, Joel Rafael, and Gayle Skidmore. Evans & Raney make their Acoustic Evenings debut with powerful guitar and harmonica performances; Joel Rafael draws on more than 50 years of folk songwriting experience; and Gayle Skidmore brings multi-instrumental mastery and award-winning songwriting to the stage.
Evans & Raney (Evans Kontopuls & Jerry Raney)
The Beat Farmers became a national phenomenon in the 1980s and continue to deliver powerhouse performances in San Diego and beyond. We are lucky to have the Beat Farmers’ legendary guitarist and San Diego Music Hall of Famer, Jerry Raney, perform alongside his dear friend and longtime collaborator Evans Kontopuls at the Athenaeum. The duo has frequented the scene for many years, with Evans contributing harmonica, 12-string guitar, and resplendent harmonies to Raney’s virtuosic guitar work.
Joel Rafael
Singer‑songwriter and folk musician Joel Rafael draws deeply from life experiences and the American folk tradition. He began performing in showcases and small clubs around Southern California in the early 1970s and released his debut album, Dharma Bums, in 1981. A devoted interpreter of Woody Guthrie’s legacy, Rafael has been a featured performer at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival for decades and has co‑written original songs based on Guthrie’s lyrics. His music blends passion, compassion, and a warm, resonant voice that connects with listeners across generations.
Gayle Skidmore
Classically trained on the piano, Gayle Skidmore plays over 20 instruments, including the mountain dulcimer, banjo, folk harp, and balalaika. A born songwriter, she has written over 2,500 songs. As a child, her natural musical ability and passion made her career inevitable, and a tumultuous life gives her plenty of inspiration. Translating her experiences into song has been more than personally fulfilling. She has won several accolades from the San Diego Music Awards, including Best Pop in 2015, Best Pop Album for Sleeping Bear in 2014, and Best Singer-Songwriter in 2013.
The concerts will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for these events. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. Priority seating will be given to Donor level members and above.
Ticket Confirmation Notice:
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