Three musical evenings comprise acoustic series at La Jolla Athenaeum

From Athenaeum Reports

After a successful first return season, the Friday Acoustic Evenings series will bring nine more local musicians to the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library for 7:30 p.m. concerts hosted by Jefferson Jay, Oct. 11, Oct. 25 and Nov. 15.

Three performers will be featured on each program and will be available during the intermission reception and post-concert meet-and-greet. Doors open at 7 p.m. at 1008 Wall St.

Series tickets are $30 for members, $45 for nonmembers. Individual concerts are $12 for members, $17 for non-members at (858) 454-5872 and ljathenaeum.org/specialconcerts

Oct. 11: Jack Tempchin, Regina Leonard, Natasha Kozaily

Tempchin has co-written five multi- platinum hits for the Eagles. His songs have been used in films like “Thelma & Louise” and “The Big Lebowski,” and been performed by George Jones, Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam, Glen Campbell, Jackson Browne, the Paladins, Richie Havens and Jim James, among others.

Leonard is a singer/songwriter whose soulful melodies and sharp insights come together to create songs that are “captivating and intelligent,” so say critics.

Kozaily’s evolution as a songwriter shines through the unconventional rhythms, exotic melodies and poetic imagery of her lyrics. “Serenading Renegades,” is the latest offering from San Diego–based chanteuse and pianist.

■ Oct. 25: Teagan Taylor, Western acoustic trio Trails & Rails, Tommy Maurer

Writing and performing original music is Taylor’s passion, using influences from jazz to R&B and soul, and even reggae.

Trails & Rails was formed in 2011 by banjo player Walt Richards, singer and guitarist Paula Strong and bass player Mike Craig. Their CD, “Off the Beaten Path,” was released in 2012. Besides instrumental wizardry, the group offers solo, duo, and three-part harmonies, as well as their signature cowboy and train songs.

Maurer is a German-born guitarist, who writes and sings songs inspired by John Lennon, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. He’s spent years playing the San Diego open mic circuit.

■ Nov. 15: Mark Boyce, Joanie Mendenhall and Trent Hancock

Boyce performs carefully crafted blends of retro hip-hop rhythms, Philadelphia Funk, soul and cool jazz. He draws upon a long line of musical and artistic inspiration, as well as his own catalog of compositions collected throughout years of touring.

Mendenhall is a singer-songwriter and pianist, who’s been “side man” in many local bands, a duet-singer with John Meeks, and has released albums of her own, including a new EP of songs, “The Vanishing Point.”

San Diego singer/songwriter Hancock is breaking nationally with his solo EP debut, “Ghostbird,” which weaves the Beatles’ style into certain tracks.