REO Songwriting Retreat July 13-18, 2008 (9th Annual)
Check out our video from our 2008 retreat this year on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqCUbgCknnQ| This was a wonderful week for me. I loved having four professionals instruction and input. The location is beautiful - great food & lodging, not to mention the scenery. |
| Martha Williams - Marietta, Georgia |
What makes the REO Songwriters retreat different from any other songwriting camp? Start with an incredible setting right on the edge of a beautiful jade-green river canyon. Add rushing rapids, snow-capped mountains, wildflowers and wilderness. Then add four of the best songwriting mentors on the planet; a low instructor-to-student ratio to enhance the intimacy and one-on-one time with our instructors and other songwriters; a private critique session with your choice of instructor/mentor; daily social hour, open-mic and co-writing sessions. Finally, choose an optional whitewater rafting (exciting) or scenic float rafting (relaxing) adventure on the Nahatlatch or Fraser Rivers. Join songwriters from around the world for a truly amazing week!
| Songwriting Instructors | |
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Pat PattisonProfessor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Pat developed the first Songwriting Major in the USA. He has published three best-selling books on songwriting including Writing Better Lyrics (Writers Digest, 1995). Pat has hosted seven Songwriters Retreats at REO since 1996. Pat teaches across the country and is involved with TAXI, NSAI, SAC and many other songwriting associations. |
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Steve SeskinSteve is one of Nashville’s top songwriters with seven #1 hits and cuts by Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Peter Frampton, John Michael Montgomery (“Life’s a Dance”) and Tim McGraw for the Grammy-nominated “Grown Men Don’t Cry”. Steve is also a successful performer, recording artist, and keynote speaker for songwriting associations across North America. |
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Bonnie HayesBonnie Hayes, a Grammy-nominated songwriter with huge international hits including “Have a Heart” and “Love Letter”, which restored Bonnie Raitt to superstardom with the multi-platinum, multi-Grammy-winning CD Nick of Time. Writing for artists as diverse as Bette Midler, Robert Cray, Adam Ant, David Crosby, Booker T and the MG's, and Cher, Bonnie has continued to craft songs one critic described as "sparkling clockwork mechanisms with a tendency to do the unexpected." Plus, Bonnie has toured as a keyboardist/backing vocalist with such arena acts as Belinda Carlisle and Billy Idol. |
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Jon VeznerGrammy award-winning songwriter Jon Vezner is a tunesmith of rare sensitivity and dry wit. His catalogue of recorded songs, topped by the poignant ‚ “Where You’ve Been,” reflects his straight-to-the heart sensibility and sensitivity. Vezner weaves the particulars of his own feelings with the lives of people he has known into universal themes that deeply touch listeners’ emotions. He has songs recorded by Reba McEntire and Ronnie Milsap, followed by Lorrie Morgan’s first single in 1987, ”Train Wreck of Emotion,” which he co-wrote with Alan Rhody. |
Retreat Contact: Bryan Fogelman, 800-736-7238, bryan@reorafting.com
Check out the pictures from previous songwriting retreats in our photo gallery.
Special Booking Bonus: FREE Rafting Trip!
2008 Retreat Highlights
One-on-one sessions with your instructor choice!- More open-mic and evening entertainment!
- Melody Master Class with Bonnie Hayes
- Songwriting Master Classes with Pat, Steve, Bonnie & Jon
- Co-writing sessions
- Inspirational setting on the edge of the river
- Free whitewater rafting or scenic float trip!
REO is a recreational paradise for rafting, hiking, kayaking, biking, and canoeing. After a day of inspirational songwriting, unwind on the private beach, walk the picturesque nature trail or soak in the riverside hot tub. Our wilderness chefs will impress you with their daily creations. Evenings are special with a fun and relaxing night of campfire entertainment.
All-inclusive Prices
Retreat fees are all-inclusive of tuition, meals, choice of lodging, beverages, snacks, resort amenities (hot tub, hot showers, private beach), 1-on-1 critiques & evening sessions for 6-day / 5-night retreat.| Prices and Packages | $CDN |
| Camping in own Tent/RV | $850 |
| Large Cabin Tent (3-4 sharing; twin beds) | $975 |
| Cabin Tent (2 sharing, twin beds) | $1,050 |
| Rivers Edge (Queen bed- 2 sharing) | $1,095 |
| Spouse/Partner/Children Non-songwriter rate: Deduct $300 from applicable rate above (e.g. camping rate is $550 CDN). | |
Note: 5% GST and 3% land & water access fees added to all prices. Call for non-songwriter spouse/partner details and single occupancy rates. Prices quoted are for early registration. A $200 CDN non-refundable deposit per person will secure your seat. Prices subject to change without notice. $1 CDN = $1 US. Reserve early as this retreat has sold out in advance the past two years.
In order to secure your spot at the Songwriters Retreat, please call our office 1.800.736.7238. Our office is open Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm PST or email info@reorafting.com.
FREE Whitewater Rafting Trip or Scenic Float trip adventure
Book & pay for your retreat by May 15, 2008 and enjoy a FREE whitewater rafting trip on the Nahatlatch River or a relaxing, scenic float adventure on the Fraser River ($125 value). If you choose not to enjoy these 4-hour adventures, you can use the time to co-write, relax, hang out at the beach or enjoy a hike on the nature trail.
Vancouver International Airport: Start times and Info
The retreat check-in is Sunday afternoon (July 13) at 6 PM. Our first session begins at 6:30 PM. If arriving from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), please schedule your flight to arrive no later than 2 PM. REO is 3.5 hours drive from the airport. Seattle Airport (SEA-TAC) is 4.5 to 5 hours south of REO and we recommend you fly in on Saturday or arrive no later than 11:30 AM on Sunday. Check out time is 12 PM Noon on Friday July 18. There will be a light lunch prior to departure. Please call for pre and post-retreat package options.
Car-pooling will be arranged when possible to assist getting to and from Vancouver. Please be flexible if you require a ride. Weekly car rentals start at $225 US for the week so sharing a car is economical and gives you more options and flexibility.
Bryan Fogelman, Retreat Organizer
Bryan Fogelman is a songwriter and the owner of Blue Crush Music. Bryan is an active member of the Nashville Songwriters (NSAI), West Coast Songwriters, Songwriting Association of Canada (SAC), SOCAN, and the ASCAP Music Creators Expo (Hollywood). He has organized and hosted the retreat for the past nine years. All retreat attendees receive the July/August issue of American Songwriter Magazine.
