The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library has long been a haven for lovers of classical and jazz music. Hearing music in the intimate setting, amid the shelves of books, is one of the top concert experiences to be found in the San Diego area. Now, fans of local acoustic music will have the chance to experience the beloved venue for themselves with the start of a new three-part concert series beginning on Oct. 13, “Acoustic Evenings at the Athenaeum.” The concerts are a co-production between the Athenaeum and promoter Jefferson Jay, best known for his annual “24 Hours of Free Music” festival in Ocean Beach. Each performance will feature Jay as host, with three San Diego-based artists. “It was hard to pick from so many great local musicians,” Jay said. “I sought diversity, in every way, to show the many beautiful faces of acoustic music in our town. Each show will have a slightly different theme and spotlight solo acts.” The final concert, on Nov. 10 will focus on family and the blues. “There will be some special guests,” Jay said. “Brothers jamming with sisters, fathers jamming with daughters and sons, that sort of thing.” Hoping to have the artists make a deeper connection with their listeners, a brief onstage discussion will follow each set, “so the audience can get to know more about the performers and their experiences making music,” Jay stated. Opening night will feature Senegalese duo Sene Africa, singer-songwriter Jenn Grinels and acoustic troubadour Will Edwards. Upcoming performers include singer-songwriter Mary Dolan (Oct. 27) and bluesman Robin Henkel (Nov. 10). Though Jay has been making music locally for eight years, he first became interested in working with the Athenaeum indirectly. In May, he completed his master’s degree in history at San Diego State University, working on a thesis detailing the venue’s history, dating back to the 1890s. “Through this process, I developed a great admiration and respect for the Athenaeum,” he said. “Once I completed my master’s, I approached them with some of my ideas for work we could do together.” “This collaboration is mutually beneficial,” said Kristina Meek, Athenaeum marketing director. “It gives us a chance to reach new and likely younger audiences, which is an ever-important goal for arts organizations.” An additional perk, for performers, is the opportunity to expand their fan base. “These musicians will have a chance to perform in an elegant, historic venue which has an established audience,” she noted. For Meek, exposing performers of all types to a wider audience makes the shows rewarding. “The Athenaeum is devoted to promoting local, emerging artists,” she said. “We showcase emerging visual artists in our Rotunda Gallery and through our Annual Juried Exhibition. Meanwhile, in music, we have shepherded the careers of such classical musicians as Gustavo Romero and Hong Lin, both now world famous.” While the series is currently set at three shows, “if all goes well, we hope to continue it in the future,” Meek said. Jay would like to see the Acoustic Festival go biannual. “The type of music previously hosted at the Athenaeum consists largely of jazz and chamber music, with some notable exceptions,” he said. “I thought that our local acoustic musicians would be a great fit for the room, the venue and the organization. I know that this will be something that Athenaeum’s members, acoustic music fans and anybody else who attends will truly enjoy.” Acoustic Evenings at the Athenaeum take place at 7:30 p.m. on three Mondays, Oct. 13, Oct. 27 and Nov. 10, at 1008 Wall St. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $10 members, $15 nonmembers. For information, call (858) 454-5872 or visit www.ljathenaeum.org.