October 26-29, 2023
Join Jess Klein, Jane Kramer & Abigail Dowd for three days immersed in songwriting and nature.
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, develop your songwriting skills
through creative exploration, self-discovery and group connection.
Three Graces
Songwriting Retreat
The Three Graces from classical lore represent Joy (Euphrosyne), Radiance (Aglaia), and Blooming (Thalia). These elements describe what you can expect from this three-day songwriting retreat with three inspiring songwriters.
Jess Klein, Jane Kramer, and Abigail Dowd bring decades of experience between them in writing, performing and navigating the music industry. Each of them come back to themselves and find their way to joy through songwriting. Even when the stories we tell in songs take us through the shadows, it is always with our eyes toward the light. By the end of this retreat, you’ll feel yourself and your songwriting blossom.
What You’ll Learn
Whether you are a seasoned writer and performer or new to songwriting, we’ll dive into the joyful work of unearthing personal and universal truths. Tap into your authentic voices to tell stories in songs that matter and uplift.
We will do this through writing exercises and instructor presentations of songwriting tools and techniques, guitar and vocal approaches; plus reconnection with your body, breath and nature. There will be individual songwriting, group collaboration, co-writing exercises, and one-on-one time with the instructors.
Sample Day
Morning Yoga
Breakfast / Coffee & Tea
Writing Exercise
Instructor Presentation
Individual writing Time & 1-on-1 instructor time
Lunch
Instructor Presentation
Songwriting, co-writing, time in nature
Gather/Share/Questions Feedback session
Dinner
Evening Fire / Song Circle
Meet the Instructors
Jess, Abigail and Jane share a deep mutual respect, reverence and love for one another as human beings and as musicians. With decades of experience between them in writing, performing and navigating the music industry, these three strong women bring important and diverse gifts of wisdom to the table.
With warm and complimentary teaching styles, together they will hold the space for a positive and powerful group experience.
The Space: Odonata Farm
Odonata Farm is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. This enchanting farmstead, dating back to the 1880s, has served as a community gathering space for over 100 years.
Sessions will be held each day in the historic light-filled haybarn-turned-studio loft. There will be plenty of time for soaking in the rare beauty of this very magical property and wandering the grounds, hiking up the ridge, lolling in the hammock and working independently (or with a new friend) on a new song. This time is crafted to nurture you and there will no be pressure to “go, go, go” or to produce under pressure.
In the evenings folks can gather by the campfire under the Mars Hill stars to share songs, meals and stories.
We’ll end the weekend with a closing concert by the instructors.
Community
Songwriting is about community. We will meet each other where we are and expect all attendees to be respectful and kind to each other. This retreat is a safe space to share the beauty, joy, pain and humor of our human experience, [and] not take ourselves too seriously. We foster an inclusive environment regarding gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, [and] ethnicity.
“All I needed to do was sing with conviction, speaking my truth from the heart, honestly and straightforwardly, and to offer my words, ideas and music to the audience as if it were one collective friend that I’d known for a very long time.”
— Carol King
Information and Lodging
Dates: October 26 - October 29, 2023
Location: Odonata Farm, Mars Hill, North Carolina
Lodging: You’re responsible for your lodging. There are many AirBnB and other short term rental options nearby. Or, if you’re up for a rustic experience camping on the property is available.
Odonata is about a 10 minute drive from Mars Hill; and a 30 minute drive from Asheville.
AirBnB
Camping: $100 flat fee/person. Includes:
outdoor shower
tent site
portable toilets
Pricing
Price includes admission to the retreat, and the following meals: a welcome dinner + 2 lunches + coffee & tea all day + breakfast fruit/pastries
Cost: $695
Deadlines:
$150 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance to reserve your place
Balance is due by August 31. After this date, the balance is also non-refundable.