bspac

Chris Montgomery & Friends

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 04:58:57 GMT

Chris Montgomery & Friends

Saturday, March 20, 2027⋅7:00 – 9:00pm

Saturday, March 20, is the final concert of our season. It's also the day where we throw some love to our volunteers, thanking them for their contributions during the year. A vibe of friendship, thanks for a job well done, and farewell for the summer.

To celebrate the day, Chris Montgomery is bringing a small jazz ensemble to BSPAC. Chris and his friends will bring tunes, including some old favorites, that are bright and up tempo, in the spirit of the day. Chris is the musical director of the Coastal Cities Jazz Band, so you know the show will be great. This will be a fun performance for the artists and the audience, guaranteed to leave you smiling!

$30 in advance + fees | $35 at the door, fees included

Real Stories. Real People

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 23:15:04 GMT

Real Stories. Real People

Sunday, January 10, 2027⋅3:00 – 5:00pm

Experience an evening of true stories told live on stage at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Real Stories. Real People. brings storytellers before a live audience to share personal experiences, memorable moments, challenges, and stories from their lives.

Presented by BSPAC in collaboration with Living Proof Stories , the event celebrates the power of personal storytelling — sometimes funny, sometimes moving, and always rooted in real life.

$30 in advance + fees | $35 at the door, fees included

Singer Songwriter Showcase

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 22:02:24 GMT

Singer Songwriter Showcase

Saturday, Feb. 13, 2027⋅7:00 – 9:00pm

An evening of original music and storytelling brings accomplished Southern California songwriters together for the Singer Songwriter Showcase . The event offers an opportunity to hear songs directly from the people who wrote them and experience the stories, experiences, and ideas behind the music.

Jeff Berkley

San Diego native Jeff Berkley is a songwriter, musician, guitarist, and producer whose career spans decades. He has collaborated with artists including Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Ben Harper, Indigo Girls, Bob Weir, Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Steve Poltz, and Tim Flannery.

Berkley won the Kerrville New Folk Songwriters Award in 1999 and has earned multiple San Diego Music Awards with Berkley Hart and Jeff Berkley & The Banned, including Artist of the Year in 2023. He has also been inducted into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame.

Scott & Rosebud Ireland — Bug Guts

Scott and Rosebud Ireland , known as Bug Guts , first met while fronting San Diego punk bands during the city's underground punk scene. An acoustic jam revealed a different musical connection, and after a serious accident temporarily paralyzed Scott, the two eventually returned to music as a primarily acoustic duo.

Bug Guts has released five albums, and Scott and Rosebud have received numerous songwriting awards. Their performances combine harmonies, distinctive lyrics, intricate guitar work, and a playful live energy.

Tony Feathers

Originally from East Tennessee and raised in Southern California, Tony Feathers has turned a lifetime of experiences into songs. He has written more than 100 songs, recorded two albums, and performed at venues, charitable events, and on the radio.

His songwriting also took him to MerleFest after he placed third in the Chris Austin Songwriting Competition. Feathers continues to write and occasionally perform, keeping storytelling at the center of his music.

An Evening Built Around the Song

The Singer Songwriter Showcase puts original songwriting at the center of the evening. Rather than simply hearing the music, audiences get to experience the individual voices and stories of the artists who created it.

It’s a chance to hear four distinctive songwriting perspectives brought together for one live performance.

$30 in advance + fees | $35 at the door, fees included

A Christmas Carol Live Stream from Julian

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:46:14 GMT

A Christmas Carol Live Stream from Julian

Saturday, December 19, 2026
Lobby reception: 1:00 PM
Singalong: 1:30 PM
Show: 2:00 PM - 4PM

Experience the holiday classic A Christmas Carol, streamed live from Julian and presented on the big screen at BSPAC. Make an afternoon of it with a festive lobby reception and Christmas singalong before the performance begins.

$20 in advance + fees | $25 at the door, fees included

Coastal Cities Jazz Band

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:21:33 GMT

Coastal Cities Jazz Band

Sunday, February 28, 2027 — 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The San Diego-based Coastal Cities Jazz Band was formed in 1997 and has performed across Southern California and Arizona. This band consists of 17 of San Diego’s county’s finest musicians who enjoy sharing art of big band music. Many of the members are professional musicians who have performed with big bands of the 40's and 50's. These include Harry James, Les Brown, Stan Kenton, Count Basie, and Jimmy Dorsey. Other members were active in the military bands while others are music teachers. They all share a passion for making and sharing music!

The Coastal Cities Jazz Band grew out of the award-winning Coastal Communities Concert Band, which is known for its Pops Concerts throughout the world. It enjoyed a very close relationship with arranger/composer Sammy Nestico, whose 60-year career included 15 years as Count Basie’s arranger, US Airforce Airmen of Note, White House Musical Director (JFK and LBJ), collaborations with Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones and Michael Buble. Over the past few years, the band has featured world-renowned soloists Wayne Bergeron, Eric Marienthal, Andy Martin, Willie Murillo, Becky Martin, Carol Welsman, and Bernie Dresel. Vocalists who have joined the band have included Draeh Jirmae, Leonard Tucker Jr, Michael Ruhl, Sharon Owen, Rosemary Watson, and Ruby Presnell.

$30 in advance + fees | $35 at the door, fees included

Jimmy Smith's Outrageous Front Porch Revue

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:01:18 GMT

Jimmy Smith's Outrageous Front Porch Revue

Friday, March 5, 2027 — 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, March 6, 2027 — 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday, March 7, 2027 — 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Here we go again with a whole new show of local performers who have been working for months to entertain Borrego Springs. There will be Country, Blues, Classical, Bluegrass, Rock, Pop – one never knows what will happen on the Front Porch. Remember, the theme of the show, if you can call it that, is that everyone chooses their own music and does it their way. All the cast helps each other, we have fun and learn a lot.

And we have some new folks who have wandered up to the Porch since last year and they have spiced up the whole thing. Come and see the excitement that they have added. Of course, we have the old stalwarts like The Rollers, the Tulvings, Jack Sims, Greasewood, the Mad-ri-gals, the ever popular flutists, John Jelinek on banjo, Elizabeth Renner, Tim McFarlan, Robin Young, even me and more. The best show ever! See you at the Front Porch!

$30 in advance + fees | $35 at the door, fees included

Opening Gala: The Cufflink Crooners

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 02:48:39 GMT

The Cufflink Crooners Biography

Four-part harmony at its finest; these professional singers hail from Southern California, and cover a wide range of musical styles, beginning with their passion of jazz and roots music. They delight audiences with their unique tributes spanning from the 50’s & 60’s, performing popular classics from Bobby Darin, Perry Como, Dean Martin, and of course, Frank Sinatra!

For the past decade, The Cufflink Crooners have performed on stagesacross the country, including Disney Cruise Lines, Downtown Disney, Knott’s Berry Farm, and even a television appearance in the Finale Episode of “The League” on FX

Opening Gala Fundraiser: The Cufflink Crooners

Saturday, November 21, 2026 —7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Celebrate the opening of the BSPAC season with Puttin’ on the Glitz: Opening Gala featuring The Cufflink Crooners . The evening begins with a reception at 5:15 PM , setting the stage for a glamorous night of champagne, music, and entertainment.

The Cufflink Crooners bring their signature four-part harmony and classic style to the stage, performing favorites inspired by Bobby Darin, Perry Como, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and the music of the 1950s and ’60s.

Dress up, raise a glass, and enjoy a festive evening celebrating live performance and the start of another season at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center.

Carole King Tribute with Sweet Seasons

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 02:31:35 GMT

There have been few singer/songwriters that have been as prolific and impactful as Carole King.

Driven by an intense love and admiration for Carole’s music, seasoned musical artist Carla Buffa, joined by a talented group of musicians, pays homage to King’s legend with a show that includes all of her chart-topping hits that you’ve come to know and love over the years, and more.

You’ll be transported back in time by Carla’s detailed renderings of such classic numbers as “It’s Too Late,” “So Far Away,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “Jazzman,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Locomotion,” and many more! Carla possesses the look, voice, and musicianship to faithfully pay tribute to this iconic artist with outstanding accuracy and attention to detail.

You’ll get to enjoy Carole’s 1972 masterpiece album, “Tapestry” in its entirety. (This album won four Grammy’s – including Album of the Year, and is one of the best-selling albums of all time.) Carla follows this with the hits that Carole wrote for herself and for other artists. She adds tidbits of information and stories all through the show, which heightens the experience of listening to Carole King's classic library of songs. This show is timeless, fun, and guaranteed to have you singing along.

Carole King Tribute with Sweet Seasons

Friday, October 16, — 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Start Your Story: Community Writing Workshop Coming to Borrego Springs

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 03:18:36 GMT

Have you ever wanted to write your story but didn't know where to begin?

Whether you're an experienced writer or someone who's simply been thinking about putting memories on paper, Start Your Story offers a welcoming place to begin.

Presented by Living Proof Stories and hosted at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center (BSPAC), this three-hour workshop will help participants turn personal experiences, dreams, and life lessons into a first draft. Along the way, attendees will learn storytelling techniques, strengthen their writing voice, and connect with others through the power of sharing stories.

Participation is limited to just 20 people, creating an encouraging and interactive environment. Following the workshop, 10 participants will be invited to continue developing their stories for the Promised Horizons Showcase on January 10, 2027. Up to five scholarships are also available for 11th and 12th grade students, with scholarship recipients receiving a new computer tablet upon completing the program.

Event Details

What: Start Your Story Writing Workshop

Date: Sunday, November 8

Time: 2:00–5:00 p.m.

Location: Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center (BSPAC)

Presented by: Living Proof Stories

Hosted by: Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center

RSVP: info@livingproofstories.com

Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Start Your Story: Community Writing Workshop Coming to Borrego Springs

The Crazy Quilt Club

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:02:52 GMT

Veronica Blather is a sweet little old lady who spends most of her time knitting and solving murders, most of which occur whenever she shows up. Understandably she has a problem finding a place to live. When her niece invites her to stay at a retirement home for old knitters, it seems ideal - until one of its members dies from drinking poisoned punch. Who did it? Was it Matilda, the president of the Crazy Quilt Club, or Lydia, who likes to die on Tuesdays? Could it be Clara, who's a compulsive liar, or the wisecracking Sarafina who doesn't trust anybody and carries a rifle just to be sure? Clues drop as fast as corpses and dialogue races along at breakneck speed to keep the audience in stitches till the last minute.

The Crazy Quilt Club

Friday, February 19, 2027 — 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, February 20, 2027 — 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday, February 21, 2027 — 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

$30 in advance + fees | $35 at the door, fees included

Darden

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:42:03 GMT

Darden

Friday Nov 28 2025 - 7:00 pm

Hailing from Orange County, California, Darden isn't just a band; they're a family of five siblings.

A BSPAC production, brought to you by Mitzi Matijevich and Option B Entertainment.

Clarah, Havilah, Tabbi, Josiah and Noah Darden have spent the last several years curating their musical sound which has been dubbed Alternative Americana. In their early years, they performed as a family band in various churches all around the U.S. Most recently, they ventured overseas, completing a German tour in 2022.

Each member of Darden adds his or her unique talents to the musical mix. Together, Darden creates its own unique blend of guitar, bass, mandolin, keys, and soulful harmony. Influenced by timeless bands like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and The Beatles, Darden brings its own fresh perspective to the realm of Americana.

BSPAC Opening Night - Burnham Sings Bublé

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:37:24 GMT

Saturday, November 15 2025 - 7 pm

BSPAC’s Opening Night – Come at 6:00 PM for hors d’oeuvres and refreshments before the show! Broadway star David Burnham (Wicked, A Light in the Piazza) returns to the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center to celebrate the songbook of five-time Grammy Award-winner Michael Bublé.

BSPAC Opening Night Gala - Burnham Sings Bublé

Burnham recently appeared at Austin Cabaret with his sold-out, hit show "Celebrating Tom Jones!" and this time takes on Bublé hits, wit, richness, and charm in tunes like "Cry Me A River," "I Haven't Met You Yet," "Save The Last Dance For Me," "Sway," and many other fan favorites!

Doug MacLeod

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:17:40 GMT

Doug MacLeod

Friday Oct. 17 2025 - 7 pm

Blues legend Doug MacLeod brings award-winning songwriting, soulful vocals, masterful guitar, and unforgettable storytelling to the stage.

Doug MacLeod

A BSPAC production, brought to you by Mitzi Matijevich and Option B Entertainment.

Doug MacLeod is known for his superb songwriting, guitar wizardry, warm soulful vocals, wit, and unforgettable live performances. At the heart of a Doug MacLeod performance is his knack for storytelling, bringing characters from the faceless to the legendary to strikingly real life.

Doug is a multiple Blues Music Award winner, including the 2024 Blues Music Award for Acoustic Album Of The Year Raw Blues 1 and the 2023 the Blues Music Award for Acoustic Artist Of The Year. In 2025 he received two Blues Music Award nominations for Acoustic Artist Of the Year and Acoustic Album Of the Year Raw Blues 2. In 2022 A SOUL TO CLAIM produced by Jim Gaines was released. It was named a Downbeat Magazine ‘Album Of The Year’ for 2022.

Doug is an international touring artist who writes and sings original songs that are based on his own life and experiences. He learned from the old masters and carries forward a valuable tradition. As a youth, Doug overcame abuse and a crippling stutter by turning to music. After picking up a guitar, and singing - he found his voice.

MacLeod's playing landed him sideman gigs with George 'Harmonica' Smith, Big Joe Turner, Pee Wee Crayton, Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson, Lowell Fulson, and Big Mama Thornton. Over 40 years, 29 studio albums, several live records, compilations, two blues guitar instructional DVDs, and a live performance DVD, MacLeod has consistently earned raves. His songs have been covered by many artists including Albert King, Albert Collins, Joe Louis Walker and Eva Cassidy. MacLeod's songs have been featured in many TV movies and the hit show In the Heat of the Night. August Wilson requested his soulful slide guitar playing in the Los Angeles opening of "Gem of the Ocean”.

From 1999 to 2004 Doug hosted Nothin' But The Blues, a very popular weekend blues show on Los Angeles' KLON-KKJZ. He has also been the voice for The Blues Showcase on Continental Airlines. For ten years he penned "Doug's Back Porch," a regular feature column in Blues Revue Magazine in which he shared his humorous and insightful stories with thousands of readers. He is one of the four featured artists in the movie “Resonate: A Guitar Story”, the feature documentary on the making of National Guitars.

Like the old masters who taught him, MacLeod's music expresses life and times through an intangible, elusive quality that may simply be a keen sense of what matters most. Doug’s music, stories, and philosophy provide a healing that has helped others overcome the hardships of their lives.

Doug says the most important lessons he learned as a young musician came from Ernest Banks a one-eyed country bluesman from Toano, VA. "Never play a note you don't believe” and "Never write or sing about what you don't know about.”

As Blues Hall Of Fame artist Pee Wee Crayton's widow Esther once told Doug, "You have a message and you'll send that message mainly to the people who don't go to church." Amen

Testimonials:

Like all great blues men, MacLeod lives his music,

and the songs are not just on the tips of his fingers

and tongue, they are one with his being.”

- Blues Music Magazine

"One of the great blues artists... Period!"

- Jorma Kaukonen.

"Doug MacLeod is one of the last and most iconic

songwriters in blues that the contemporary scene

can still offer.”

- Macallé Blues

Turn Up the Sound Fundraiser 2025

Wed, 14 May 2025 04:42:21 GMT

Something special happened at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center this season—and you could hear the difference.

Thanks to the success of Turn UP the Sound , a two-night fundraiser co-hosted with the Borrego Springs Film Institute (BSFI), BSPAC has officially installed a state-of-the-art sound system that will transform every concert, live performance, and film screening for years to come.

A major highlight of the event was the return of acclaimed filmmaker Pat Battistini , who presented a slate of his award-winning short films, including Ms. Rossi, Ms. Rossi Takes the Cake, and Mrs. Rossi Meets the Mob. Audiences were treated to behind-the-scenes stories, laughter, and insight during Battistini’s Q&A sessions. His presence brought excitement and a personal connection that truly energized the crowd and reminded us why great storytelling—and sound—matter.

What Was Installed

This wasn’t just a speaker upgrade. The new system includes:

2 main speakers for full-stage sound
2 subwoofers to bring depth and clarity to music and effects
2 delay speakers to ensure consistent sound throughout the theater
4 front-fill speakers to reach the first few rows with precision
4 under-booth delay speakers to complete the immersive experience
All-new amplifiers and audio processing hardware
A custom-built amp rack and full system tuning to dial in the perfect acoustics

Whether you’re attending a musical performance, a community theater production, or a film festival screening, you’ll now enjoy a clear, rich audio experience in every seat.

Why It Matters

For a small community like Borrego Springs, BSPAC serves as more than just a stage—it’s where we gather, celebrate, and connect. With this audio upgrade, the center ensures that everyone, including guests using hearing assistance devices , can enjoy performances at the highest quality.

It’s a major step forward in making performing arts accessible and unforgettable in the desert.

Bringing Performing Arts to the Desert Since 1990

Wed, 14 May 2025 03:35:49 GMT

Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center

The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center (BSPAC) board has been curating cultural experiences for the community since around 1990. Every year, the board meets during summer or early fall to set a new season’s schedule—typically planning between eight and ten diverse events.

Each season is a mix of professional performances and local talent. Two or three events annually feature Borrego Springs residents—whether it's a play, a musical evening, or a variety show. The rest of the lineup includes touring artists and performers brought in to share their talents with the community.

Beyond BSPAC’s own productions, the venue also serves as a stage for other organizations. For example, the Anza-Borrego Foundation has hosted “Jimmy’s Annual Front Porch Revue” here for the past several years, raising funds for the state park.

Serving local youth has long been a priority. In partnership with the Community Concert Series, BSPAC invites visiting performers to stay an extra day to offer performances at local schools. This gives Borrego’s students access to cultural experiences they might not otherwise have—whether at the elementary or high school level.

BSPAC is also proud to be the founding home of the Borrego Springs Film Festival, offering a consistent space for film and storytelling each year.

At its core, BSPAC exists to ensure that Borrego Springs—a small desert community—continues to enjoy high-quality performing arts. This mission remains central as the center evolves and welcomes the next generation of artists and audiences.

Video Credit: Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce (2023)

bspac

Chris Montgomery & Friends

Chris Montgomery & Friends

Real Stories. Real People

Real Stories. Real People

Singer Songwriter Showcase

Singer Songwriter Showcase

Jeff Berkley

Scott & Rosebud Ireland — Bug Guts

Tony Feathers

An Evening Built Around the Song

A Christmas Carol Live Stream from Julian

A Christmas Carol Live Stream from Julian

Coastal Cities Jazz Band

Coastal Cities Jazz Band

Jimmy Smith's Outrageous Front Porch Revue

Jimmy Smith's Outrageous Front Porch Revue

Opening Gala: The Cufflink Crooners

The Cufflink Crooners Biography

Opening Gala Fundraiser: The Cufflink Crooners

Carole King Tribute with Sweet Seasons

Carole King Tribute with Sweet Seasons

Start Your Story: Community Writing Workshop Coming to Borrego Springs

Have you ever wanted to write your story but didn't know where to begin?

Event Details

Start Your Story: Community Writing Workshop Coming to Borrego Springs

The Crazy Quilt Club

The Crazy Quilt Club ﻿

Darden

Darden

Friday Nov 28 2025 - 7:00 pm

BSPAC Opening Night - Burnham Sings Bublé

Saturday, November 15 2025 - 7 pm

BSPAC Opening Night Gala - Burnham Sings Bublé

Doug MacLeod

Doug MacLeod

Friday Oct. 17 2025 - 7 pm

Doug MacLeod ﻿

Turn Up the Sound Fundraiser 2025

What Was Installed

Why It Matters

Bringing Performing Arts to the Desert Since 1990

Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center

The Crazy Quilt Club

Doug MacLeod