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ASL provided for April's Sanctuary Show! Please help us spread the word!
Robin Henkel performs blues with an intensity rarely seen in Southern California. Drawing from the styles of Robert Johnson, Fred McDowell and Elmore James, Robin has molded his own energetic and entertaining personal style. Robin’s performances often include stories and anecdotes regarding the history of the blues and the unique vintage instruments he performs with. He is a four time recipient of "Best Blues" at the San Diego Music Awards.
Whitney Shay & Aaron Lind:
Whether in studio, on screen, or stage, Whitney Shay’s electric energy, soulful style, and powerhouse pipes keep listeners connected and coming back for more. In her hometown of San Diego Whitney Shay has been honored to win 5 San Diego Music Awards (including “Artist of The Year”), and a San Diego CityBeat Magazine "Best Of" Award. Abroad Shay has toured extensively throughout Europe and South America, and was nominated for a national Blues Music Award in 2019. In 2020 Shay’s album Stand Up! debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues charts. Shay has received high praise from music critics calling the singer “a future blues icon” (Blues Matters!), “one of the next best things in soul music” (Blues and Rhythm Magazine), and “the epitome of a rising star” (Elmore Magazine). Shay’s tracks have been placed in TV/film, including shows on NBC, HBO, Bravo, BET, TNT, Hulu, Paramount+, AppleTV, and Disney+.
Aaron Lind is a recent addition to the San Diego music community, relocating from his longtime and beloved home of New Orleans in 2020. He holds a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies and continues to further his education with jazz luminary Jonathan Kreisberg and local classical guitar legend Fred Benedetti. Aaron is a professor at Grossmont Community College, the jazz band director at Coronado School of Arts, and also runs a private teaching studio. He maintains a busy gigging schedule, currently performing with his organ trio, Voices of Our City Choir, monthly duo gigs with singers Leonard Patton and Whitney Shay, and solo jazz and classical guitar concerts around San Diego.
Jay Freed is a singer-songwriter blending acoustic R&B and indie folk, known for his commitment to authenticity and a sound that reflects his unique voice and perspective. Grounded in a mindset of steady growth and risk-taking, his work encourages listeners to move at their own pace and pursue what they love on their own terms.
Robin Henkel performs blues with an intensity rarely seen in Southern California. Drawing from the styles of Robert Johnson, Fred McDowell and Elmore James, Robin has molded his own energetic and entertaining personal style. Robin’s performances often include stories and anecdotes regarding the history of the blues and the unique vintage instruments he performs with. He is a four time recipient of "Best Blues" at the San Diego Music Awards.
Whitney Shay & Aaron Lind:
Whether in studio, on screen, or stage, Whitney Shay’s electric energy, soulful style, and powerhouse pipes keep listeners connected and coming back for more. In her hometown of San Diego Whitney Shay has been honored to win 5 San Diego Music Awards (including “Artist of The Year”), and a San Diego CityBeat Magazine "Best Of" Award. Abroad Shay has toured extensively throughout Europe and South America, and was nominated for a national Blues Music Award in 2019. In 2020 Shay’s album Stand Up! debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues charts. Shay has received high praise from music critics calling the singer “a future blues icon” (Blues Matters!), “one of the next best things in soul music” (Blues and Rhythm Magazine), and “the epitome of a rising star” (Elmore Magazine). Shay’s tracks have been placed in TV/film, including shows on NBC, HBO, Bravo, BET, TNT, Hulu, Paramount+, AppleTV, and Disney+.
Aaron Lind is a recent addition to the San Diego music community, relocating from his longtime and beloved home of New Orleans in 2020. He holds a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies and continues to further his education with jazz luminary Jonathan Kreisberg and local classical guitar legend Fred Benedetti. Aaron is a professor at Grossmont Community College, the jazz band director at Coronado School of Arts, and also runs a private teaching studio. He maintains a busy gigging schedule, currently performing with his organ trio, Voices of Our City Choir, monthly duo gigs with singers Leonard Patton and Whitney Shay, and solo jazz and classical guitar concerts around San Diego.
Jay Freed is a singer-songwriter blending acoustic R&B and indie folk, known for his commitment to authenticity and a sound that reflects his unique voice and perspective. Grounded in a mindset of steady growth and risk-taking, his work encourages listeners to move at their own pace and pursue what they love on their own terms.
For those wishing to practice a little community care, please come out a little early (5:30-6:30pm) for our Pre-Show Pantry Jam to help fill the Normal Heights United community pantry, fridge, & closet with unopened/unexpired food or gently used clothing.
Stick around to enjoy busking at dusk, provided on our unplugged “sidewalk stage” by the Calabio Twins (who are also scheduled to perform at our Holiday show this December in partnership with our sister series Writers Round San Diego!)
*Doors to Songwriter Sanctuary show: 6:30pm, Music starts at 7pm - Limited seating!
Please continue scrolling for general event details and accessibility information. ASL is not scheduled for the pre-show pantry jam as of yet, but we're working on trying to find some folks to help out with providing access for this portion of the event and will update asap!
Stick around to enjoy busking at dusk, provided on our unplugged “sidewalk stage” by the Calabio Twins (who are also scheduled to perform at our Holiday show this December in partnership with our sister series Writers Round San Diego!)
*Doors to Songwriter Sanctuary show: 6:30pm, Music starts at 7pm - Limited seating!
Please continue scrolling for general event details and accessibility information. ASL is not scheduled for the pre-show pantry jam as of yet, but we're working on trying to find some folks to help out with providing access for this portion of the event and will update asap!
General Info and Accessibility
- Address: 4650 Mansfield Street San Diego, CA 92116
- Doors: 6:30pm, Music: 7-9ish pm (with intermission)
- Food & Beverage: Duck Foot Brewing, Babe Beverages, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages available; attendees welcome to bring food/drink inside the venue!
- Suggested Donation: $10+ (If you have the capacity, please be generous to these top-tier songwriters - their creative work is their livelihood! We want to send our artists home with rent money, not gas money. No one turned away for lack of funds)
- All Ages* are welcome, but we do not censor artists, so please review scheduled artist and make the best decision for your family.
- Booking: Visit our Booking FAQ and submit if you're interested!
- Photo/Video Consent: Unless an artist has given blanket consent, we ask guests to obtain permission before posting photos/videos of their performances online. 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 our team know. Thanks for being a part of our growing efforts to keep our community safe and supported!
- Accessibility: Normal Heights United is a 100 year-old historic venue with a distinctive layout. While it may not follow modern building designs, our team is committed to helping guests access the space safely and comfortably. Please send any accommodation requests or questions about the venue to Molly at mollyrose(at)nhunited(dot)org at least five (5) business days prior to the event. For day-of requests, you can reach out to Lindsay at lindsaywhite(dot)music(at)gmail(dot)com.
- Parking: Street parking is available on surrounding streets, with a few accessible / blue placard parking spots on adjacent street and surrounding block. There is a large unloading area 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 venue has an ADA ramp entrance and accessible seating on the main floor for guests who use mobility devices and/or need additional space. Balcony seating (stair access only) is available for those who prefer less noise or stimulation. Our online RSVP form includes a space to share accommodation preferences and requests.
- Sensory & Safety: A sensory/safety station in the foyer offers single-use masks, ear plugs, and hand sanitizer. Two Corsi-Rosenthal box fan filters run during the event. 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.
- Lyric Accessibility: Whenever possible, we will post a QR code with lyrics to featured artists’ songs for enhanced accessibility.
- ASL: Thanks to sponsors, several our 2026 concerts will offer ASL services. As of now: Jan 30, April 24, Jul 31, and Oct 30 are the scheduled shows. Please check the season schedule for updates!
- On the horizon: long-term goals of offering a livestream ticketing option. Please stay tuned and continue supporting us as we work toward these and other accessibility goals.
- Parking: Street parking is available on surrounding streets, with a few accessible / blue placard parking spots on adjacent street and surrounding block. There is a large unloading area 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).
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
4/24
ASL Provided for Sanctuary Show!
Jay Freed
Whitney Shay & Aaron Lind
Robin Henkel
w/ pre-show pantry jam busking by: Calabio Twins
Jay Freed
Whitney Shay & Aaron Lind
Robin Henkel
w/ pre-show pantry jam busking by: Calabio Twins
5/29
Tim Flannery
Gayle Skidmore
Jackson Wagner
Gayle Skidmore
Jackson Wagner
6/26
LGBTQ+ Pride Edition Presented with Raspberry Management
Saint Misty
The Dimes
Daddy
Saint Misty
The Dimes
Daddy
7/31
ASL Provided for Sanctuary Show!
Disability Pride Edition!
Sumn Trop
Claire King
Jay Walkr
Disability Pride Edition!
Sumn Trop
Claire King
Jay Walkr
8/28 - Ramona Edition! (No Normal Heights Show - Season Passes will be Honored)
Presented with Listen Local Radio
The Beard & The Bird
Haywire
Nate Donnis
The Beard & The Bird
Haywire
Nate Donnis
9/25
Hispanic Heritage Month Edition, Presented with Julia Sage
Good Gravy
Stanton Street Duo
Nathan & Jessie
Good Gravy
Stanton Street Duo
Nathan & Jessie
10/30
ASL Provided for Sanctuary Show!
Sam Franz
Ms. Connie
Deidre
Sam Franz
Ms. Connie
Deidre
12/4
Holiday Edition, Presented with Writers Round SD
Sam Franz
Ms. Connie
Deidre
Sam Franz
Ms. Connie
Deidre