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Songwriting on the River 2
Arts on the Fly is very happy to announce the second edition of Songwriting on the River. Join us July 10 and 11, 2019 at the Romero property on the Little Horsefly River, for two days of digging into the craft of songwriting. All ages and levels are welcome!! Be sure to register soon; only 12 spots available. We're delighted to introduce our workshop hosts: incredible musicians and songwriters Annie Lou, Steve Brockley, and Jenny Banai and morning yoga with local Yogini Cleo Beaulieu.This two-day intensive workshop is just $250, with a weekend pass to the festival included for just another $25 (that's a savings of 40 bucks!)
Each day participants will rotate through three 1.5 hour workshops guided by each one of the leaders.The afternoon finishes with by a wildcard afternoon workshop. The wildcard is a time for unique on-the-spot workshops developed in response to participant requests, surprise topics the facilitators are excited about, personal songwriting development, smaller groups, or quiet time.
Day 1 - July 10, 2019
Writing From the Senses w/ Annie Lou
What does heartache taste like? Sound like? How does it feel in our bodies? Sense-based writing can turn "just another love song" into a powerful and dynamic piece that truly reaches into the listener's experience, and connects them to the song through their own senses.
What Can We Learn From the Blues? w/ Steve Brockley
What do the Beatles, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, James Brown, Hank Williams, and Miles Davis all have in common? They all played, and often recorded blues music. There's so much we can learn as songwriters by digging into this genre that has contributed the backbone to many styles of music. We'll skip the excessive guitar wankery and find the beauty, feelings, and practical takeaway.
Behind & Before the Song - The Open Voice w/ Jenny Banai
The pressure is off and it's time to heal through sound and song; to pull from the deep wells of our beings (if you will), seeking for connection with ourselves, each other and with the Great Other. Letting song happen, without agenda, no matter how correct or incorrect. We will apply these thoughts through meditative practices, improvisation, and breathing/vocal techniques.
Day 2 - July 11, 2019
Adventures in Melody w/ Annie Lou
Aaah, melody; the sauce that delivers the song! Where does it come from? Where does it go? Through some fun exercises we will explore ways to create a melody, as well as examine the impact of melody on the intention of the song.
Music Theory and Songwriting w/ Steve Brockley
The Circle of Fifths? Tonic? Inversion? Semitone? It is easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to music theory. However, there are useful principles that can provide direction and even inspiration to help you get where you're trying to go with your writing. This is theory tailored specifically to songwriting and will be based more on examples in songs and less of a lecture format.
Writing Memorably on Practice, Lyrics & Editing w/ Jenny Banai
"But if you are only there sometimes and are frequently late or inattentive, it will appear
fleetingly or it will not appear at all", says Mary Oliver, describing that "wild silky side of ourselves" and its need of pursuit. We're going to get uncomfortably close with our precious experience, by confronting the song's ability to "tell about it in the best possible conjunction of words".
Participants are responsible for their own breakfast and lunch. Dinners will be potluck-style. BBQ, outdoor cooking facilities, utensils, plates, cups, etc are all available. We ask for your help in keeping this a zero-waste event (including your own campsite, and especially applying to disposable water bottles, plates, cutlery, etc.). Please bring your own water bottle (our water is delicious), travel mugs, etc. Amenities include outdoor hot showers and two outhouses. If you have special needs, please let us know. Other activities include swimming, paddling, forest and meadow walks. Trailers welcome (no hook ups available).Dogs are ok (we love dogs) but they must be friendly and mostly hanging out at their owner's campsite. You will be contacted with more information after registration.
