Songwriter Sanctuary - One Year Anniversary Show

Songwriter Sanctuary, the acclaimed monthly concert series featuring San Diego's finest songwriters, proudly announces its one-year anniversary show on Friday, January 26, 2024. The celebration will take place at Normal Heights United, located at 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego, CA 92116.

Songwriter Sanctuary showcases three talented acts in a Nashville-style round, where artists share the stories and inspirations behind their beautiful songs. The concert series has become a staple in San Diego's music scene, providing a platform for local artists to connect with audiences in an intimate and meaningful way.

The one-year anniversary lineup features:

Eric Neilson: A San Diego based singer-songwriter, content creator, and music industry professional. Neilson's journey, from his University of New Haven music studies to his USS Boxer deployments, echoes the beatnik spirit. His music, illustrated through "The Hemingway EP" (2017) and "Medicine Man" (2023), captures stories from Boston's streets to Chicago's neon lights. Neilson continues to contribute to the local music community through his performances at venues like Tin Roof and Sycamore Den, as well as his work with Sofar Sounds and Writer's Round San Diego.

Astra Kelly: A Chicago native with a pure talent for lyric-based, melodic sound and soaring vocals. Astra's music draws from her soulful Chicago roots fused with indie folk and Americana. As a career artist, she embarked upon “The Making Music Tour” in 2022, resulting in the album “Soul Fires,” reflecting spiritual/emotional healing and transformation. Astra's music has been described as "Folk Rock Bitten by the South."

Dave Booda: A musician with a diverse and rich life journey, reflecting in his music. From Naval Academy graduate to a Navy Officer, a bicycle journey from London to Turkey, and living in a Tantra community in Bali, Dave's new album "Happy Accidents" is a collection of memories from a life well lived.

Songwriter Sanctuary was founded in partnership with Normal Heights United Church by former San Diego residents and musicians Ben Grace Gilmore and Karyn Thurston Gilmore (of Story and Tune), as a sister event to their popular Writers Round San Diego series that takes place at the Ould Sod every Monday (now hosted by Lauren Leigh Martin with Eric Neilson’s AV support). Jeff Berkley, San Diego Music Awards 2023 Artist of the Year and San Diego Music Hall of Famer, stepped into the hosting role last September. Fellow local songwriter Lindsay White now handles booking and PR, while NHUnited’s Pastor Molly Lorden facilitates onsite logistics in the church's beautiful century-old sanctuary.

Reflecting on Songwriter Sanctuary’s one year milestone, White said: "It truly takes a village to sustain community events like this, and our team is thrilled to continue doing our part to nurture this beautiful musical garden Ben and Karyn planted. From Jeff and Molly, to our sound tech and sponsors, to our faithful fans, everyone is working together to give due attention to San Diego's vibrant songwriter scene and show our featured artists gratitude for all the ways they fill our hearts and enrich our community. We hope you’ll join us!"

Date: Friday, January 26, 2024

Location: Normal Heights United Church, 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego, CA 92116

Time: Doors 6:15 p.m., Show 7-9:30 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 purchase, thanks to sponsors Duck Foot Brewing Company, Flying Embers, and Grace2Go Meals

Accessibility: For venue accessibility requests, contact Molly Lorden at molly(at)nhunited(dot)org.