Songwriter Sanctuary Announces Black History Month Celebration Featuring Original Music From Three Award-Winning Independent Artists

After a successful January season opener, Songwriter Sanctuary returns Friday, February 27 with its Black History Month celebration featuring original music from Grammy award winning bassist and songwriter Kevin Cooper, The Voice season 18 contestant Cedrice, and SD Music Award winner Riston Diggs. Jeff Berkley hosts in partnership with Normal Heights United.

About the Artists

Kevin Cooper is a Grammy Award-winning Bass Player. His career includes recording with Major Record Labels, National television appearances, and a Broadway Show performance where he also received 4 Tony Award nominations. That show started right here in town at the San Diego Repertory Theater.

In recent years Kevin had the honor of studying with Ravi Shankar in New Delhi India. He performed on Anoushka Shankar’s Grammy-nominated CD “Rise” in 2006 and on a Grammy Winning CD with Ike Turner in 2007. Kevin served as Ike’s musical director for over five years. He’s performed at legendary festivals including the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague. Kevin performs locally with a variety of bands of many different genres in hotels, resorts, churches, clubs, restaurants, casinos, concert halls and more!! This is his debut solo performance of his original compositions.

Cedrice is a San Diego–born artist whose voice and presence embody transformation, mystique, and unapologetic truth. Diagnosed with alopecia areata at age ten, she learned early to define beauty beyond appearances, a reckoning that ignited the creative force behind her music. She gained national attention on NBC’s The Voice (Season 18) with a sultry, jazz-inflected performance of “Fever,” showcasing her signature blend of elegance and edge.

Cedrice doesn’t perform for applause; she performs to reclaim, reveal, and remind. Her voice is velvet with grit, her presence regal yet intimate. Describing her brand in five words: elegant, illuminating, mystical, sophisticated, simple, Cedrice draws inspiration from artists like Erykah Badu, Christina Aguilera, and Michael Jackson. With new music on the horizon, she continues to step into her role as a modern muse, inviting listeners to meet her not as a star, but as a mirror.

Riston Diggs: Based in San Diego California, Riston Diggs is a musician and performance artist representing the intelligent movement genre, also known as Hip-Hop. Recognized as a stellar performer and noted as “incredibly poignant” Diggs has become a stand out act on the local music scene. Hailing from Pageland, South Carolina, he started his musical journey post a 9 year military career, ultimately choosing to work in San Diego where he spent the majority of his career.

Self releasing his first project PTSD in October 2015, he began performing at venues that extended the opportunity opening up for local and national touring acts. A San Diego Music Award-winning artist; Riston’s image and message of struggle, heartache and growth is right on time with music’s current state of sound.

Event Details

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!

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 is turned away for lack of funds.

Tip: At the event, we send a jangly tip jar around after intermission; please don't feel obligated, especially if you've already donated, it's just a traditional gesture of support in the folky world for "in the round" formats - how we show extra love to artists when their work moves us in the moment.

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.

Food/Drink: Sponsored by 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!

Visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/songwriter-sanctuary-feb--2026

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