Booking Basics: Your FAQ Guide to Performing at Songwriter Sanctuary

Happy October, friends! The heat is finally letting up and I’m slowly starting to feel my melty brain and body reshape into a solid state. There is nothing more gloriously refreshing than a changing season.

Speaking of, there are only two shows remaining in the 2024 season of Songwriter Sanctuary, which means I am about to start the process of booking next year’s showcases. Since that’s where my head is at, I thought I’d utilize this month’s column to shed some light on what goes into booking the series. So, if you’re trying to get on my radar, here’s a cheat code in the form of a FAQ, much of which has been lifted from the Songwriter Sanctuary website (you’re not the only one who gets a cheat code—mama has a migraine, so original content is not exactly peak priority at the moment).

Still, there’s good info in here for anyone looking to sharpen their booking pitch. Take it (or leave it) from me, I’m the girl who pestered Chad at the Belly Up for 10 years before finally getting my band on a bill.

Songwriter Sanctuary Booking FAQ

PAFP, Paul Cannona, Julia Sage, & Lee Coulter @ Songwriter Sanctuary.

Kimiko & Kai from Topeka Clementine @ Songwriter Sanctuary.

Kori Gillis, Flamy Grant, & Joy Fuliga @ Songwriter Sanctuary.

Tori Roze & Johnny Alexander.

Thea the Band. Photo: Julia Sage.

WHAT CONFIGURATIONS DO YOU BOOK AT SONGWRITER SANCTUARY?
Since our sound tech is accommodating three acts at once for our “in the round” format, we usually limit bookings to solo or duo performers.

WHAT GENRES DO YOU BOOK?
Any genre is welcome, but intimate, stripped-down sets with small live instrument setups work best.

WHAT ARE OTHER BOOKING CONSIDERATIONS?
As an elder-millennial San Diego songwriter, I reserve the right to invite established and up-and-coming acts, even if they don’t submit. Buuuut, I also want to make room for folks who aren’t on my radar. If that’s you, know this about me:

• It’s Not About Numbers: Unlike many promoters, I don’t book acts based on follower counts, streams, or how polished your videos are. If you have impressive stats and content, I respect it because I know how hard it is to achieve such things, but what I truly care about is your songwriting, performance style, and how you engage with your audiences.
• Other Considerations: Location, performance experience, online presence, and easy access to your music/bio/promo materials are all secondary factors. They’re not singular deal-breakers but help with curating the lineup. (For example, I’m probably not going to book three North County acts or three newbies on the same bill.) Recommendations from trusted pals, pros, and alumni artists also go a long way. It’s a big ol’ jigsaw puzzle.
• Community Impact: I prioritize artists contributing to the safety and wellness of their communities and world through art, organizing, or activism. If you’re out there using your talents to strengthen your scene, speak truth to power, and build a better world, I’m that much more excited to explore your work. (Case in point: I am THU-RILLED to feature The Neighborhood Kids this month!)
• Representation: I aim to showcase a range of artists and styles that reflect our vibrant songwriting community. This includes special consideration for queer artists with religious trauma—as a progressive and affirming venue, NHUnited provides a unique opportunity to heal and reclaim space. If any part of this paragraph makes you feel uncomfortable or annoyed, this series is probably not a good fit for you.

ARE ARTISTS REQUIRED TO PROMOTE?
While we’re working to build a regular audience and, eventually, offer guarantees, we currently ask featured acts to help promote the series. The venue is beautiful but not situated to attract street traffic, so we need your support in spreading the word to your fans about this relatively new series. You don’t need a huge following, but please have a small, reliable friend/fanbase before requesting a booking. Since we don’t take a door cut, your promo efforts directly benefit you and your fellow performers. As an artist myself, please know I loathe when venues don’t take any accountability for promoting. Our little team is doing everything we can in our limited capacity to spread the word through traditional PR channels, and I can’t wait for the day I can revise this section with a hefty guarantee amount and no promo expectation whatsoever. But for the time being, please bear with us while we’re in our “if you build it they will come” era.

I ALREADY SUBMITTED A BOOKING REQUEST. WHEN CAN I EXPECT A RESPONSE?
There are a few factors at play here, primarily that San Diego is spoiled with no shortage of quality songwriters and performers, juxtaposed with the reality that we only run 10-11 shows per season. Finally, we are a mostly volunteer team that only has the capacity to reach out when it is a good fit. If it has been over a year since your last submission and you want to re-submit with updated music samples, we encourage you to do so! We’re all doing our best! Thank you for your patience and understanding. If this were my full-time job and I didn’t have a toddler directing her huge feelings at me all the livelong day, I’d mail out handwritten consolation notes with words of encouragement. Seriously.

I AM AN ALUMNI ARTIST. WHEN CAN I COME BACK TO PERFORM?
It may be a while before we book you again because of the aforementioned factors. You’re on our radar for when we need a pinch-hitter—especially those of you who come out to support the series! You’re also welcome to reach out to Normal Heights Church directly to organize your own event—they are great to work with and have reasonable rental rates. Our alumni performers are always welcome to attend as our complimentary guests.

I’M AN ARTIST WHO REGULARLY ATTENDS. CAN I SKIP THE LINE FOR A BOOKING?
I’m so super thrilled that you’re here and supporting this community, but that’s not how booking works, boo. I wish it was; I’d buy season tix to the Hollywood Bowl and Red Rocks!

Okay, thank you for reading my novel. You know I thrive on information, don’t you? Anyhoo, now that you know how booking works, if you’re interested in performing for the 2025 season, please fill out this submission form. I look forward to reviewing all the submissions and learning even more about the SD songwriter scene. Now I’m off to raid my medicine cabinet for the strong stuff. See you at this month’s show, a special edition featuring songwriters who write and perform in the MC style!

October Songwriter Sanctuary Special MC Edition!

When: Friday, October 25 | Doors 6:30pm, Music 7pm
Where: Normal Heights United | 4650 Mansfield Street San Diego, CA 92116
Lineup: Rob Deez, The Brothers Burns, and The Neighborhood Kids.

RSVP/Info: tinyurl.com/songwriter-sanctuary-sd

Thanks for Talkin’ Craft with me!