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Gayle Skidmore

Seven-time San Diego Music Award nominee Gayle Skidmore has written over 2500 songs since she began songwriting at the age of 8. Her natural ability and innate passion for music made her music career inevitable, and her tumultuous life has given her plenty of inspiration. Translating her experiences into song has been more than just personally fulfilling. Gayle Skidmore won Best Pop in the 2015 San Diego Music Awards, Best Pop Album for “Sleeping Bear” in 2014, and Best Singer-Songwriter in 2013. Classically trained on the piano from the age of 4, Gayle Skidmore also plays over 20 other instruments, including the mountain dulcimer, banjo, folk harp and balalaika.

Tim Flannery

Tim Flannery is a rare two-sport standout whose life has been shaped by family, baseball, and music—a “holy trinity” he’s never separated. A former Major League infielder and longtime coach, Flannery spent over three decades in professional baseball, including key roles with the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, where he was part of three World Series championship teams (2010, 2012, 2014). Alongside the game, Flannery built a prolific music career, releasing more than a dozen albums of heartfelt, roots-driven songs inspired by life on the road, love, and the pull of home. Backed by his band, the Lunatic Fringe, his sound blends country, rock, and bluegrass into a style that’s as honest as his story. Off the field and stage, Flannery co-founded the Love Harder Project, a nonprofit dedicated to combating violence and bullying. After overcoming a life-threatening illness in 2020, he returned to songwriting with renewed perspective, releasing Waiting On A Miracle in 2022. Whether in the dugout or with a guitar in hand, Flannery’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to passion, resilience, and heart. 

Jackson Wagner

Jackson Wagner is an Americana singer/songwriter based in San Diego, CA who blends elements of folk, country, rock, and blues together in a unique style that features guitar-driven jams and powerful vocals. Characterized by heartfelt and honest lyrics, Jackson's music offers insight into the life and times of a modern troubadour.
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 acoustic busking at dusk, provided on our “sidewalk stage” by alumni artist Lauren Ong!
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Please continue scrolling for general event details and accessibility information. 

General Info

  • Address: 4650 Mansfield Street San Diego, CA 92116

  • Doors: 6:30pm, Music: 7-9ish pm with intermission; (Pre-Show Pantry Jam 5:30pm)

  • 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+. 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 an artist has given blanket 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

​​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.
 
  • Parking: Street parking available on surrounding streets, with several accessible / blue  placard 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 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. 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.

  • 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: 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

5/29

Tim Flannery
Gayle Skidmore
Jackson Wagner

6/26

LGBTQ+ Pride Edition Presented with Raspberry Management
Saint Misty
The Dimes
Daddy

7/31

ASL Provided for Sanctuary Show!
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
Chloe Lou
Haywire
​Nate Donnis

9/25 

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

Holiday Edition, Presented with Writers Round SD
Calabio Twins
Ryan Sheker
Lilia Rose
Danielle Angeloni
KISUI
Omar Musisko
John & Eileen Schnarr
Isaac Cheong