Songwriter Sanctuary June 2024 : LGBTQ+ PRIDE Edition!

Kick off LGBTQ+ Pride season with our monthly concert series featuring San Diego's finest songwriters. This month, we'll invite three local LGBTQ+ acts in a Nashville-style round and invite them to share the stories and inspirations behind their beautiful songs. Hosted by the legendary Jeff Berkley.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
is a San Diego based indie pop singer-songwriter. Originally a pastor’s kid from the south, he developed his roots in Gospel music, honing in a mastery of intimate piano melodies and hauntingly passionate vocals. Over the past few years, Ben has wandered new territory and established an attractive alt. pop/rock sound bordering the likes of Phil Collins, MUNA, The 1975, and Maggie Rogers.

According to Parks: "I think chosen family is a big value for the LGBTQ+ community, and it often brings a lot of nuance and gray space for where relationships can exist. As a writer, I feel compelled to bring my own language and experience to those kinds of relationships through songs."

He does just that with his latest single “Why Does Everybody Leave?”, which simultaneously invokes reflection and release for its listeners, adding Ben’s name to a list of “Sad Gay Pop” artists that know how to make you feel.

also found his musical beginnings in a church setting, singing in choirs across his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. Initially influenced by artists like Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, and Coldplay, Virr went onto join the Navy in 2009, where he was exposed to an even broader range of music from around the world. Since 2014, Virr has been based in San Diego and has performed his music across the country.

Virr utilizes his LGBTQ+ identity as a tool for connection in his music: "It allows me to express myself with honesty and rizz (charisma) while simultaneously providing me the opportunity to reach people who can’t yet see themselves or their potential, a reflection of work in progress."

is an act of ever-evolving magic, featuring live and electronic elements with songs that explore themes of transformation.

This is an amazing series in a beautiful and affirming space , not to mention a wonderful opportunity to see these local LGBTQ+ artists perform in an intimate, stripped-down setting. Come show some love-is-love and help us celebrate!

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 7pm
Suggested Donation: $10 (all ages) but please be generous in your support of these top tier talents whose creative work is their livelihood. All donations go to artists. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Food/Drink: Concession snacks and beverages (with and without) are available for small purchase, thanks to our partners Normal Heights United and our sponsors at Duck Foot Brewing Company and Flying Embers. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food into the sanctuary - we recommend grabbing takeout from one of the many amazing restaurants on Adams Ave! (Please respect the space and dispose of all waste/recycling upon conclusion of the concert).
Accessibility: Please direct any venue accessibility requests to Molly Lorden molly(at)nhunited(dot)org.

Ben Parks Photo Credit:
Virr photo: Provided by Virr
RhythMx: Bandcamp

Host or Publisher Lindsay White