Songwriter Sanctuary March 28 2025

A (mostly) monthly concert series featuring San Diego's finest songwriters. Three acts perform in a Nashville-style round sharing the stories and inspirations behind their beautiful songs. Hosted by Jeff Berkley in partnership with Normal Heights United.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

just wants to make good art. As a kid, the artist and writer often filled notebooks with stories and songs and essays and spent weekends in libraries and banging on her guitar. Unsurprisingly, this is reflected in her music - a wide-eyed sensibility that sees the world for what it is and its untapped potential. Having discovered early 00s indie rock on a church computer (true story), Aly fell headlong into making the sound her own - crafting folky hooks about the nature of being in love, being brown, being sick, being young, earnest, being overlooked (frontman). These days, the Orange County native calls San Diego home, and continues to pursue the honesty and clarity in her music. Like Jane Austen, but indie rock.

Alex Bergan and Megan Mattix make up the Americana/folk duo, The Wellsprings. Both come from extensive musical backgrounds and when they got married in 2022, the choice to create something new was an obvious one. Even though they’re relatively “fresh” to the scene, they’ve already made their mark. Not only in San Diego, but they tour the country regularly and have built loyal audiences across the United States. During a tour stop in Austin, Texas, they were both invited into Spectra Studios to sing guest vocals on David Ramirez’s upcoming album, “All The Not So Gentle Reminders.”

As The Wellsprings have built up their repertoire, they’ve shared stages with artists such as The Wildwoods, Georgia Parker, Nicotine Dolls and Ari Herstand, to name a few.

As Alex has had quite the year already, The Wellsprings will build on top of that with a new EP. “When We Go” is expected to release in the summer of 2025 and will be supported by multiple tours across the country.

: A songwriter who’s lived many lives in many places, Justin John Rodriguez writes songs about life, love, regret and redemption as seen through his own unique perspective. Blending elements of country, folk and Americana he’s shared the stage with artists as diverse as Tyler Halverson, Todd Day Wait, Riley Downing, The Wilder Blue, Summer Dean, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers and Whiskey Myers to name a few. With the absence of light there is only darkness and Rodriguez navigates both seemlessly through his storied songs. Making them both personal and relatable to the shared human experience.

EVENT DETAILS:

Location: Normal Heights United Church

4650 Mansfield St, San Diego, CA 92116. Thank you to our generous venue partner for sharing this beautiful space with the local music community!

Time: Doors 6:30pm, Show 7-9pm ish.

Suggested Donation: $10 (all ages) but please be generous in your support of these top tier talents whose creative work is their livelihood. 100% donations go to artists. No one turned away for lack of funds.

All Ages: Bear in mind we do not censor our artists so please make sure to check out the lineup and make the best decision for your family.

Parking: Street parking

Food/Drink: Beverages for small purchase, thanks to our sponsors! Duck Foot Brewing Company. Guests are welcome to bring food into the venue (please eat and dispose of waste respectfully)

Accessibility: Please direct any venue accessibility requests to Molly Lorden molly(at)nhunited(dot)org.

[Banner image description: Songwriter Sanctuary flyer features photos of performers and logos of sponsors. Full text in eventbrite description. Body Image description: A packed audience fills Normal Heights United Church as Songwriter Sanctuary artists perform.]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Normal Heights United Church, 4650 Mansfield Street, San Diego, United States