Songwriter Sanctuary Jan 2026 - Season Opener!

Don't miss our 2026 Season Opener! A (mostly) monthly concert series featuring San Diego's finest songwriters. Three acts perform in a Nashville-style round sharing the stories and inspirations behind their beautiful songs. Hosted by Jeff Berkley in partnership with Normal Heights United.

Solo or bolstered by the electrifying harmonies of her long-term partner, Karen “Brown Sugar” Hayes, Lisa’s songs are an infectiously hopeful account of coming up Black, queer, and folk at a time when both the country and the folk music industry are wrestling with what it means to honor the whole, unmasked, intersectional beauty of her identity and artistry. Wherever Lisa Sanders goes, great stories, songs, and whole-hearted celebration follow.

Omo Cloud is the musical project of Cole De La Isla, a non-binary singer-songwriter and musician based in San Diego. Known for an indie rock sound that blends ethereal pop melodies with orchestral arrangements and trip-hop foundations, the project explores themes of healing, gender identity, and emotional resilience.

, a dynamic singer-songwriter from San Diego, California, has spent over three decades captivating audiences worldwide with her powerful voice and evocative storytelling. Known for blending Americana with rich Singer-Songwriter influences, Eve’s deeply personal lyrics and soulful melodies strike a chord with listeners, providing comfort, hope, and inspiration. Through her music, she fosters compassion and reminds us that, under certain circumstances, we are all capable of darkness—but also of redemption.

(Special thanks to Lisa & Karen for filling in for our sis Lauren Leigh, who was originally scheduled but had to postpone because she'll be recovering post-op. Join us in wishing Lauren lots of love and healing energy! We'll re-book her asap!)

Location: Normal Heights United Church

4650 Mansfield St, San Diego, CA 92116. Thank you to our generous venue partner for sharing this beautiful space with the local music community!

Time: Doors 6:30pm, Show 7-9pm ish.

Suggested Donation: $10 (all ages) but please be generous in your support of these top tier talents whose creative work is their livelihood. 100% donations go to artists. No one turned away for lack of funds.

All Ages: Bear in mind we do not censor our artists so please make sure to check out the lineup and make the best decision for your family.

Parking: Street parking.

Food/Drink: Beverages for small purchase, thanks to our sponsors Babe Beverages and Duck Foot Brewing Company. Guests are welcome to bring their own food into the venue (please eat and dispose of waste respectfully). There are so many delicious restaurants within walking distance - feel free to grab something take-out and bring it in!

Normal Heights United is a 120+ year-old building with a non-traditional seating arrangement, but we want every guest to feel safe and supported. Please send any accommodation requests to Molly at mollyrose(at)nhunited(dot)org at least five (5) business days prior to the event.

• Entrances & Seating: The venue has an ADA ramp entrance and two rows of reserved seating for guests who use wheelchairs and/or need additional space. Balcony seating (stair access only) is available for those who prefer less noise or stimulation. Our online RSVP form also includes a space to share accessibility preferences.
• ASL Interpreters: We are excited to share that we will be providing ASL services at our Season Opener. Reserved seating for best view of interpreters is also available. Our online RSVP form also includes a space to share accessibility preferences. Notepads are available at entry and concession for anyone who prefers to communicate in writing. We will also post a QR code with lyrics to featured artists’ songs for enhanced accessibility
• Future Goals: We are actively seeking funding partners to provide ASL services and accessibility enhancements for the 2026 season, and have long-term goals of offering a livestream ticketing option. Please stay tuned and continue supporting us as we work toward these and other accessibility goals.

• Sensory & Safety: In the foyer, you'll find single-use masks, ear plugs, and hand sanitizer. Two Corsi-Rosenthal box fan filters run during the event. If you’re feeling unwell, please plan to join us another time to help keep our community healthy.
• Photo/Video Consent: Unless artists provide blanket consent at the top of their performance, please ask for consent before posting the faces and/or prominent features of folks online. If you are an attendee and do not want to be captured by our in-house photographer, please let us know and we will make every effort to honor your request. Songwriter Sanctuary is committed to prioritizing consent and will continue to model and encourage this practice in our community.
• Community Care: Normal Heights United has a big community fridge and pantry just steps from the venue. Please consider bringing unopened/unexpired items for our underresourced neighbors! If our Songwriter Sanctuary audience can stock it once a month, that would be an incredible gift to the community and support for our venue partners at NHU who actually church like churches should church!

[Banner image description: Songwriter Sanctuary flyer features photos of performers and logos of sponsors. Full text in eventbrite description. Image description: A packed audience fills Normal Heights United Church as Songwriter Sanctuary artists perform.]

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Lindsay White