It promises to be a beautiful day of music: a baker's dozen of the top local female musicians performing during the course of six hours on a Sunday afternoon at a friendly Irish pub.

But the cause the show benefits, as well as the motivation for its existence, couldn't be more tragic.

"One of my friends died of domestic abuse a couple of years ago," San Diego singer-songwriter Sara Petite said of her motivation in setting up Sunday's benefit for Becky's House at the Ould Sod in San Diego's Normal Heights neighborhood. Petite said her friend was leaving an abusive situation with her children, but came back to her home to pick up a few personal items and was shot to death by her husband, who then turned the gun on himself.

A shelter run by the local YWCA, Becky's House provides a safe place for women and children who are in danger from an abusive family member. Due to the number of women seeking shelter, the YWCA is raising money to build a second shelter.

Of the 13 musicians and bands donating their talent and time to the cause, there are several from North County: Cindy Lee Berryhill resides in Encinitas, Steph Johnson is from Poway, and Regina Dawn is newly relocated to San Marcos. Also on the bill are Petite, Chelsea Flor, Molly Meekin, Annie Dru, Evan Bethany, Molly Jenson, Joanie Mendenhall, Dee Ray, Saba and Arabella Harrison.

The show begins at 3 p.m. and runs until 9; each artist will perform a 30-minute set. The $10 per person cover charge is being donated to Becky's House, and there will also be a raffle and auction to raise money. In addition, Petite and several other performers will donate all proceeds from the sale of their own CDs at the show to Becky's House.

Petite said the Ould Sod has a legal capacity of only 99, so she suggested getting there early. The Ould Sod is at 3373 Adams Ave. in San Diego. Visit sarapetite.com.