San Diego’s Songwriter Sanctuary is back for a new year of original music in a space that sings, recently announcing the entire 2025 schedule (complete with a limited run of season passes), which will commence with a two-year anniversary concert on Friday, January 31 featuring intimate in-the-round performances by Jeff Berkley, Will Stucky, and Shelbi Bennett w/ The Midnight Pine. The event will be guest-hosted by Lauren Leigh of Writers Round SD, the sister series of Songwriter Sanctuary. (4650 Mansfield St. Suggested Donation $10. All ages. Doors 6:30 p.m., Music 7 p.m.) Introducing Season Passes For the first time, Songwriter Sanctuary is offering season passes, on sale now through January 31. The passes grant all-access entry to every show in 2025 - a total of 11 concerts featuring 33 acclaimed San Diego-based (or affiliated) acts. Additional perks include a complimentary drink at each event, six guest passes to be used throughout the year, and recognition on the Songwriter Sanctuary website. Series curator Lindsay White highlights the significance of this initiative: “Pre-selling season passes help us guarantee fair pay for our artists while keeping the series financially accessible for all members of the community. Our goal is to grow this unique listening room series without compromising artist compensation or community access, but we need support from our neighbors to do so. We see touring acts charging as much or more for just one concert, so we hope our original music-loving audience will consider the value of a season pass, not only as a way to shop local, but also to stretch their entertainment budget for the year.” A Spectrum of Talent Songwriter Sanctuary has become a beloved showcase for San Diego’s deep pool of original artists. Acclaimed SD Music Hall of Fame songwriter and producer (not to mention preacher’s kid and natural orator) Jeff Berkley hosts with the charming wit and irreverence he has honed through decades of performances, while White approaches series curation as an opportunity to advocate for artists and community-building. Says White: “You’ll find some folky favorites and established acts, but I also try to platform a spectrum of artists and styles that represent our vibrant scene. Ultimately, it’s about coming together to experience the beauty and power of a great song.” Since its debut in January 2021, Songwriter Sanctuary has rarely featured repeat acts—a reflection of San Diego’s rich roster of talented creatives. Drawing from music scene mainstays and what White describes as a “mile-long” list of artist submissions, the showcase’s storytelling, Nashville-style round format invites artists to share the stories behind their songs and even collaborate by improvising on each other’s music, all while taking turns in the spotlight. For its 2-Year Anniversary concert on Friday, January 31, Berkley will hand over hosting duties to Lauren Leigh and perform as one of the evening’s three acts. The SD Hall of Famer and multi-SDMA winner performed in the inaugural show alongside White and original series curators Ben Grace Gilmore and Karyn Thurston Gilmore’s duo Story & Tune, who have since relocated to Portland, OR. Rounding out the bill will be San Diego’s own Will Stucky and Shelbi Bennett with a stripped down version of her SDMA-winning act The Midnight Pine. An Affirming Space Though not religiously affiliated with venue host and series partner Normal Heights United, Songwriter Sanctuary thrives on a harmonious collaboration between White, Berkley, and NHU Pastor Molly Lorden. “I often call the sanctuary the ‘fourth featured act' because it is just as jaw-droppingly gorgeous as the music and energy that fills it,” said White. “Molly, our sound tech Honza Kriwenky, and the many church members who volunteer their time continue to be such amazing teammates in this project. They intentionally offer a safe and affirming space to all members of their community, which has resulted in some incredibly healing moments for performers and attendees alike. Normal Heights United should teach other churches how to church.” Community aside, the century-old sanctuary's aesthetic charm speaks for itself. Sparkling lights strung across lofty ceilings, natural reverb, and a cozy circular seating arrangement create an inviting atmosphere perfectly suited for intimate performances and soaring vocals. You don’t have to be religious to feel the spirit. Event Details: Date: Friday, January 31, 2025 Location: Normal Heights United Church, 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego, CA 92116 Time: Doors 6:30 p.m., Show 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Suggested Donation: $10 (all ages), but please be generous in your support of these top-tier talents. All donations go to artists. No one turned away for lack of funds. Songwriter Sanctuary alumni artists are welcome as our guests. Food/Drink: Available for small purchase, thanks to partners at Normal Heights United and sponsors Duck Foot Brewing Company. Guests are welcome to bring in outside food. Please respectfully eat and dispose of waste. Accessibility: For venue accessibility requests, contact Molly Lorden at molly(at)nhunited(dot)org. 2025 Season Schedule *subject to changes Jan 31 - Second Anniversary Show! Jeff Berkley Will Stucky Shelbi Bennett with The Midnight Pine Feb 28 Rebecca Jade Nubella Honey Ash the Author Mar 28 The Wellsprings Aly Rowell Justin John Rodriguez Apr 25 The Lovebirds (tentative) Kaylee Daugherty Brittany Taylor May 30 Surrija Mandi Miller Jonesy Jones Jun 27 - LGBTQ Pride Show! Lily Wecks Kimiko In Mazes Jul 25 The Bella Lunas Espi Miranda Ramos Aug 29 Claire King Hailey Wetzel Lexi Pulido Sep 26 Joe Summers Grainne Hunt Helena Holleran Oct 24 Shea Givens Kevin Cooper Anthony Cullins Dec 5 - Holiday Edition! JT Moring Cara Cormier David Beldock and Peggy Watson For inquiries, media comps, or further information, please contact: Lindsay White lindsaywhite.music@gmail.com Season Passes: Visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/songwriter-sanctuary-january-2025-2nd-anniversary-special-tickets-1128223870969 Songwriter Sanctuary SD on Instagram
