Up Next: ​Ramona Edition  - ASL provided!

Our flagship venue goes dark in August as NHU staff takes a much-deserved summer break, but the show will go on! Join us on Friday, August 28 as we take Songwriter Sanctuary on the road for the very first time with a special edition concert presented in collaboration with Listen Local Radio at St. Mary's In-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Ramona, CA. We are so excited to showcase original music "in the round" by Chloe Lou, Haywire, and Nate Donnis. All season passes will be honored! Additional details  coming soon, but save the date for a lovely show in a charming town that has become a landmark locale for original art and music!

Chloe Lou (duo)

​Chloe Lou is a multi-genre songwriter and vocalist with a pension for always trying something new. She has been working with her original band, Chloe Lou & The Liddells, to create unique music reminiscent of 1960’s soul and rock n’roll since 2018 and their debut EP Storybook won a San Diego Music Award for Best Pop Album in 2020! She currently performs regularly with The Liddells, as well as The Sidelong Glances (country), The Spreckels Organ Pavilion Rock Band, Good Mojo (top 40’s all genres), as well as many tribute bands and duos around San Diego County. She recently toured in France with the traditional English/Irish folk band, Kick Up the Dust.

Nate Donnis

Nate Donnis has been a staple in the San Diego songwriter scene for many years, garnering millions of streams on Pandora and Spotify with The Donnis Trio. In recent years he formed Rodello’s Machine with friend/co musician Kolby Knickerbocker; together they've released  3 albums of music, and their music has been placed in mulitiple TV shows and commercials including VRBO and SKINS. 

Haywire (duo)

Haywire is a conceptual relationship of ideas and music - an eclectic band of musicians seeking relief from the Haywire of society!
Cathryn and Laura PreShow Pantry Jam - Aug 28
Pre-Show Pantry Jam with Cathryn & Laura
For those wishing to practice a little community care, please come out a little early (6pm-6:30pm) for our Pre-Show Pantry Jam to help fill our community pantry & closet with unopened/unexpired shelf-stable food or gently used clothing.  Stick around to enjoy acoustic busking provided by Cathryn Beeks w/ Laura Burdette!

General Info

  • Address: August Showcase will take place at St. Mary's in the Valley - 1010 12th St. Ramona, CA

  • Doors: 6:30pm, Music: 7-9ish pm with intermission; (Pre-Show Pantry Jam 6pm)

  • Food & Beverage: Duck Foot Brewing, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages & small concessions available.

  • Suggested Donation: $10+. No one turned away for lack of funds. If you can, please be generous to these top-tier songwriters, as their work is their livelihood! We want to send artists home with rent money, not gas money.

  • All Ages welcome, but we do not censor artists. Please review and make the best decision for your family.

  • Booking: ​Visit our Booking FAQ and submit if interested!

  • Photo/Video Consent: Unless artists give consent, we ask guests to obtain permission before posting photos/videos of them. Guests seated near performers may appear peripherally in marketing photos; if you’d prefer not to be included or would like an online image removed, please let us know. 

Accessibility at St. Mary's

  • ​​Accommodation Requests: Please reach out at least (5) business days prior to event with any accommodation requests and we will do our best to support! For Building-related info and requests, contact St. Mary's directly. All other requests, contact Lindsay White at Songwriter Sanctuary SD. Our online RSVP/ticket form also includes a space to share any accommodation preferences/requests.

  • ASL/Lyric Accessibility: Thanks to our accessibility sponsors, we will be providing ASL at the remainder of shows in 2026! Whenever possible, we will post a QR code with lyrics to featured artists’ songs for enhanced accessibility. 
 
  • Parking: Parking lot available with several accessible parking spots. Street parking also available in surrounding area.

  • Building Accessibility: As seats are self-select, we encourage folks with specific seating preferences to utilize our advance RSVP/ticketing option to communicate any seating preferences with our team at least (5) business days in advance. For questions specific to the venue, please contact St. Mary's directly. 
    ​
  • Sensory & Safety: A sensory/safety station in the welcome area offers single-use masks, ear plugs, and hand sanitizer. Notepads are available at entry and concession for anyone who prefers to communicate in writing. If you’re feeling unwell, please plan to join us another time to help keep our community healthy​.

Accessibility at Normal Heights United

​​Though Normal Heights United is a 100 year-old historic venue with an atypical layout, our team is committed to helping guests access the space safely and comfortably.

  • Accommodation Requests: Please reach out at least (5) business days prior to event with any accommodation requests and we will do our best to support! For Building-related info and requests, contact Molly at Normal Heights United. All other requests, contact Lindsay White at Songwriter Sanctuary SD. Our online RSVP/ticket form also includes a space to share any accommodation preferences/requests.

  • ASL/Lyric Accessibility: Thanks to our accessibility sponsors, we will be providing ASL at the remainder of shows in 2026! Whenever possible, we will post a QR code with lyrics to featured artists’ songs for enhanced accessibility. 
 
  • Parking: Street parking available on surrounding streets, with several accessible parking spots on adjacent street and surrounding block. A large unloading area is directly in front of venue (on Mansfield). Closest bus stops are Adams & Hawley Blvd and Adams & 35th St (both about 0.1 mile from venue). Need help finding your public transit route? Try the Moovit App.
 
  • Entrances & Seating: 
    The ADA ramp entrance is on School St. (Just around corner from Mansfield entrance). Accessible seating located on main floor for folks who use mobility devices and/or need additional space. Balcony seating (stair access only) is available for folks who prefer less noise and stimulation. As seats are self-select, we encourage folks with specific seating preferences to utilize our advance RSVP/ticketing option to communicate any seating preferences with our team at least (5) business days in advance. 

    Restrooms: Accessible, all-gender restrooms are located in the adjacent social hall. Directional signage is posted, or feel free to ask a team member to guide you.

    Sensory & Safety: A sensory/safety station near the foyer offers single-use masks, ear plugs, and hand sanitizer. Notepads are available at entry and concession for anyone who prefers to communicate in writing. An adjacent lounge area and water fountain is located in social hall near the restrooms, where folks can take a quick sensory break if needed. If you’re feeling unwell, please plan to join us another time to help keep our community healthy.

  • On the horizon: We are dreaming up an accessible livestream ticketing option. Please stay tuned and continue supporting us as we work toward these and other accessibility goals.

​photo by Aryka P Photography
Your support helps sustain Songwriter Sanctuary. Thanks for helping us fight to keep local artists in San Diego!

2026 On Deck

8/28 - Ramona Edition! (No Normal Heights Show - Season Passes will be Honored)

ASL Provided for Sanctuary Show!
Presented with Listen Local Radio
Chloe Lou
Haywire
​Nate Donnis
Info/RSVP

9/25 

ASL Provided for Sanctuary Show!
​Hispanic Heritage Month Edition, Presented with Julia Sage
Good Gravy
Stanton Street Duo
Nathan & Jessie

10/30

ASL Provided for Sanctuary Show!
Sam Franz
Ms. Connie
Deidre

12/4

ASL Provided for Sanctuary Show!
​Holiday Edition, Presented with Writers Round SD
Calabio Twins
Ryan Sheker
Lilia Rose
Danielle Angeloni
KISUI
Omar Musisko
John & Eileen Schnarr
Isaac Cheong