It's never too late to become yourself.
When you look closely at the last 30 years of Southern California’s folk music scene, you’ll find one constant, soulful, and magnetically effervescent through line: the heartfelt artistry of Lisa Sanders. A Black Opry Review, San Diego Music Hall of Famer, and shape-shifting genre chameleon, Lisa has shared stages, co-created, and occasionally served as muse for artists like Bonnie Rait, Lucinda Williams, BB King, The Chicks, Sarah McLachlan, Mary Gauthier, Steve Poltz, and dozens more. She's collected thousands of stories on the long road to becoming herself—moments she’s more than happy to recount for audiences in belly-laugh stories and masterfully written songs.
In 2026, Lisa will be touring her opus, Daughter of the Rising Tide, a full-length album co-written and produced by JT Nero of The Birds of Chicago with special guest Allison Russell.
Solo or bolstered by the electrifying harmonies of her long-term partner, Karen “Brown Sugar” Hayes, Lisa’s songs are an infectiously hopeful account of coming up Black, queer, and folk at a time when both the country and the folk music industry are wrestling with what it means to honor the whole, unmasked, intersectional beauty of her identity and artistry.
Wherever Lisa Sanders goes, great stories, songs, and whole-hearted celebration follow.
Whoever you are, and however long the road you may have traveled to become yourself, you're invited to this party.
Can't wait to see you soon. XO.
I'm going to be real here for a minute. If you are wondering why did it take 7 years to put out Daughters of the Rising Tide? Especially if you were one of the ones who bought a pre-release in 2019!
Might sound crazy, but simply put, the universe was calling me to make this record at that time. So I called JT. It was good thing because since then, JT Nero, who produced and co-wrote this entire album, career has jumped leaps and bounds, winning a Grammy, as well as other projects with stars, and his lovely partner, Allison Russell, who has a special appearance on two of the tracks. Her career has jumped to the stars. with co-rights with JT. And Allison has since then gone on to win a Grammy, a Juno, played on the Broadway hit,"Hadestown," sang with Joni Mitchell, toured with Brandi Carlile, and did a video duet with Annie Lennox, and now she is going on major world tour with Sarah McLachlan in a few days. This album probably would not have been made if we didn't do it then. Not to mention the all-star band who did a spectacular job bringing these songs to life.
Well, there are several other reasons too, but mostly it never felt like the right time to put it out. Do you ever get the feeling in your gut when something isn't right? We always know when it is a good time to do something when we truly listen to our inner voice. So now it feels right for me to release “Daughters Of The Rising Tide.” and I could never feel more elated for you to hear it in its entirety the way records, I feel are meant to be listened to.
I have come into my own. As a women who has been out here for years making music, entertaining people for decades, it has been my life and my love. I have had a lot of things happen over the years that have shaped my life and now it is time to acomplish some things I have always thought were possible. It is time to put this beautiful album out in the world at a time when I think it's really needed. Its songs poetically written about life, love and coming into your own.I am releasing it this August 2026, with details coming as they come in.
So, if you got this far in this lengthy explanation please consider pre-ordering Daughters so this project can go as far as it is truly meant to. Because I believe we will celebrate together, bringing something good into the world. Regardless of how old we are "It is never too late to become the person you were meant to be" The time is now. Much Love Lisa
A concert for Hope & Peace, a Benefit for ACLU, San Diego and Imperial Counties. The Performers, Laura Chavez, Chloe Lou, Gayle Skidmore, Robin Henkel, Kori Gillis, Riston Digs, Shawn Rholf, The Brothers Burns, Katchur & Clair, Rob Deez, Dan Gindling, and introducing the Playing for Peace Band,
$32 including fees
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All Things Music, 29115 Valley Center Road, Valley Center CA
A special evening of songs and stories in an intimate musical space at "All Things Music," Valley Centers, a beloved music store that is quickly becoming a crown jewel of music gatherings, with wonderful instruments, live music, and community. This will be a special evening with Lisa Sanders & Brown Sugar, with special guest John Katchur
$25
An intimate Backyard Concert w / Lisa Sanders & Brown Sugar
$25 General Admission / $115.00 General Admission Series Pass - Six Shows / $ 160.00 Gold Circle Reserved Series Pass - Shows
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Friday August 21st 6:30 PM - Henry Diltz slide show
Our 23rd year kicks off with another Friday night special event.
Step back in time to the 60's and 70's first with music sung by the Sweet Judys. Then meet legendary Woodstock photographer Henry Diltz to hear his stories of 60 years taking photos of and hanging out with famous musicians.
($60 Ticket includes pizza, soft drinks, concert and the slide show) - bring your own chair
Saturday August 22nd 2:30 PM - NEW TIME this year Our annual cancer fundraising concert will feature the great music of Bob Rudolph, Lisa Sanders & Brown Sugar, Crystal Bowersox and Bill Toms and the Hard Rain, fabulous food and our always amazing array of silent auction items. ($60 ticket includes music, full buffet dinner, dessert, and soft drinks) - bring your own chair
All proceeds benefit local organizations providing cancer screening and support services regardless of health insurance. Special combo ticket being sold - $110 for both events Thanks to our sponsors – UPMC, Highmark / Allegheny Health Network, Ward-Dawson Family Trust If you cannot attend, please consider donating to this worthwhile cause.
$58.30 For 1 Day / Or $108.18, for Both Aug 21st, Aug 22nd
There are no upcoming events right now.
Produced & Co Written
by JT Nero of The Birds Of Chicago
Recorded in Nashville Tennesse
at The Hen House Studio
with an all Star Band
Featured in the Willie Baronett documentary "Signs Of Humanity," Lisa's song Angels earned Lisa and Brown Sugar a walk down the red carpet at the Dallas International Film Festival Premiere in 2016.
