virtual Tour

REO Songwriting Retreat - July 11-16, 2010 (11th Annual)

Click here to check out a video of our songwriting retreat.

2010 instructors - leading the retreat once again is songwriting pro and Berklee College of Music Professor Pat Pattison who will be joined by Grammy-nominated songwriter Bonnie Hayes, Berklee songwriting professor Mark Simos, and renown voice teacher Renee Grant-Williams.

Muses Muse discount - save $50 - Book now!

Email retreat organizer Bryan Fogelman

Special guest performer Linda McRae - Tues. July 13

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! Only 16 seats remain, call now to reserve!

2010 Songwriting Instructors
	Pat Pattison Professor 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 nine Songwriters Retreats at REO since 1997. Pat teaches across the North America, Australia and New Zealand and is involved with TAXI, NSAI, SAC and many other songwriting associations. www.patpattison.com/home/
	Bonnie 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.
	Mark Simos Acclaimed "neo-traditionalist" songwriter Mark Simos brings a deep grounding in American roots music - old time, bluegrass, Celtic - to his work. His signature style, combining finely crafted lyrics with surprising turns of melody and modal harmonies, has yielded four songs recorded by Alison Krauss and Union Station, and 100+ cuts overall with artists including Del McCoury, the Infamous Stringdusters, Doyle Lawson and Laurie Lewis. As a songwriting professor at Berklee College of Music, Mark's teaching combines solid technical content with explorations and exercises developed at dozens of workshops, camps and clinics over the years. In his writing and teaching, he champions craft, diversity, versatility, risk-taking, and innovation through renewal of timeless forms.
	Renee Grant-Williams Voice teacher Renee Grant-Williams clientele includes the Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Linda Ronstadt, Christina Aguilera, Randy Travis, Tim McGraw, Miley Cyrus, Kix Brooks, Chicago, Jessica Andrews, Bob Weir, Kenny Chesney, among others. Record company executives, artist managers, and world renowned producers send their clients to Renee for one simple reason - after singers work with Renee, they're better. She doesn't just work with stars, she helps create them. Renee's formal education took place at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she also taught. She served as the Director of the Division of Vocal Music at the University of California, Berkeley and worked as a Musical Director at the Actors Studio in Manhattan before eventually establishing permanent residence in Nashville. www.myvoicecoach.com

Retreat Contact: Bryan Fogelman, 800-736-7238, bryan@reorafting.com

Check out the pictures from previous songwriting retreats in our photo gallery.

2010 Retreat Highlights

Private one-on-one session with one instructor!
Vocal and Performance Master Classes
Evening open-mic and campfire entertainment!
Melody & Music Master Classes
Songwriting Master Classes
Co-writing sessions
Song Critiques and Peer Review
Inspirational setting on the edge of the river
Free whitewater rafting or scenic float trip!

Enjoy an intimate songwriting retreat in the beautiful Canadian outback. REO Rafting Adventure Resort is located in a wilderness canyon overlooking the beautiful jade-green Nahatlatch River and is surrounded by forests of pine, cedar, spruce and fir.

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.

Special guest performer - Linda McRae Tues. July 13

Linda McRae has been a participant in THREE of REO's songwriting retreats and is now living in Nashville and touring the US. Linda is a Canadian singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who earned 2 Platinum and 3 Gold records during her tenure as bassist/accordionist with former Canadian Celtic/Roots group Spirit of the West. Linda left the band to resume her solo career and has since released three critically acclaimed recordings. Flying Jenny produced by Colin Linden (Bruce Cockburn, Emmy Lou Harris), Cryin’ Out Loud produced by Gurf Morlix (Lucinda Williams, Mary Gauthier) and Linda's current release Carve It To The Heart produced by Linda and Marc L’Esperance (Po’ Girl, Be Good Tanyas) have all received the highest praise from reviewers world-wide. We hope all our songwriters have the same success!

Early Payment Discount and Free Rafting Trip - Early Bird Extended!

Join Muses Muse and save $50. SAC members save $50 off any package when booked and paid 1 week in advance.

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. US dollar = $1.04 CDN (June 2010). The actual exchange rate is determined by your bank on the payment date. Prices and exchange rates are subject to change without notice.

Prices and Packages	Price per person
Camping in own Tent/RV	$949
Cabin Tent with linen (4 sharing; twin beds)	$1099
Cabin Tent with linen (3 sharing; twin beds)	$1179
Cabin Tent with linen (2 sharing; twin beds)	$1249
Deluxe Cabin Tent with linen (2 sharing; Queen bed)	$1299
Deluxe Cabin Tent with linen (Single occupancy Queen bed)	$1599
Luxury Cabin Tent with linen (2 sharing; Queen or King bed)	$1399
Luxury Cabin Tent with linen (Single occupancy Queen or King bed)	$1699
Spouse/Partner/Children Non-songwriter rate: Deduct $300 CDN from applicable rate above (e.g. camping rate=$649 CDN). Call for rates for economy cabin tents (bring own linen).

Note: 12% HST and 3% Land and Water Access Fee. 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 and accommodation option. Prices subject to change without notice. Reserve early as this retreat and the accommodations will sell out fast.

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 - July 11, 2 PM.

Book and pay for your trip by June 15th and enjoy a FREE whitewater rafting trip on the Nahatlatch River ($125 value). You will need to check-in by 2:00 PM on Sunday, July 11 for the rafting trip. If you choose not to enjoy this 4-hour adventure, you can use the time to co-write, relax, hang out at the beach or enjoy a hike on the nature trail.

There is an optional add-on to rafting which includes a photo CD featuring 40+ high resolution photographs of your rafting trip taken by our professional photographer and lunch. This add-on is $20 per person plus tax. If you would like the add on, please check in at 1:00 PM because lunch is at 1:30 PM. Please advise reservations office by May 15th if you would like this add-on.

Vancouver International Airport: Start times and Info

The retreat check-in is Sunday afternoon (July 11) at 5 PM. Our first session begins at 6:00 PM. If arriving from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), please schedule your flight to arrive no later than 1:30 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.

If you are participating in whitewater rafting July 11th, the check in time is 1:00 PM if you have the lunch add-on, or 2:00 PM otherwise.

Check out time is 12 PM Noon on Friday, July 16. There will be a light snack 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 $250 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 ten years.

All retreat attendees receive the July/August issue of American Songwriter Magazine.

REO Songwriter Retreat Instructor Alumni

Steve Seskin (2006-2008) Steve 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.
Bonnie Hayes (2008) Bonnie 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.
Jon Vezner (2006-2007) Grammy 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. Beth Nielsen Chapman (2009) Beth Nielsen Chapman’s name resonates powerfully with music lovers. Stars such as Bonnie Raitt, Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Michael McDonald, Bette Midler, Anne Murray, Amy Grant, Keb Mo, Roberta Flack, Emmylou Harris, Patti Griffin, and Brenda Lee have recorded Beth Nielsen Chapman songs. “This Kiss,” as recorded by Faith Hill, won ASCAP’s 1999 “Song of the Year” award and was nominated for a Grammy. In addition to 9 highly-acclaimed albums and countless songwriting awards, Beth mentors fellow songwriters at a few select events. The REO Songwriters retreat will be a rare opportunity to experience and learn from one of the world's best songwriters. http://bethnielsenchapman.com Pam Tillis (2009) A CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Pam Tillis has written songs for some of the top singers in and beyond Nashville, including more than a few of her own hits. She knows what it's like to break the platinum barrier, to top the singles charts time and again, to bask in an ovation at her induction as a member of the Opry or play in the intimate hush of the Bluebird Café. She has bathed in the lights of Broadway, posed for glamour magazine spreads, sung ballads in Bay Area bistros, batted wicked one-liners back to Tom Bergeron on Hollywood Squares, even made cameos in movies. http://ww w.pamtillis.com Jai Josefs (2009) Jai Josefs is a nationally-renowned songwriting coach. His book Writing Music for Hit Songs is recognized as the definitive text on modern music writing and has been endorsed by numerous hit writers including Diane Warren. Jai has taught songwriting at UCLA and at seminars and conferences throughout North America. Many of Jai’s students have been signed to major label deals and have had top 20 Billboard hits. Jai is also a successful songwriter/producer placing more than 30 songs with artists like Jose Feliciano and companies such as MCA, RCA, Motown, and Disney. His songs have appeared on TV shows on every major network (CSI, Medium, Brothers and Sisters, Monk, Cold Case etc.) and in major motion pictures. www.jaijomusic.com

Steve Seskin (2006-2008)

Steve 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.

Bonnie Hayes (2008)

Bonnie 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.

Jon Vezner (2006-2007)

Grammy 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.

Beth Nielsen Chapman (2009)

Beth Nielsen Chapman’s name resonates powerfully with music lovers. Stars such as Bonnie Raitt, Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Michael McDonald, Bette Midler, Anne Murray, Amy Grant, Keb Mo, Roberta Flack, Emmylou Harris, Patti Griffin, and Brenda Lee have recorded Beth Nielsen Chapman songs. “This Kiss,” as recorded by Faith Hill, won ASCAP’s 1999 “Song of the Year” award and was nominated for a Grammy. In addition to 9 highly-acclaimed albums and countless songwriting awards, Beth mentors fellow songwriters at a few select events. The REO Songwriters retreat will be a rare opportunity to experience and learn from one of the world's best songwriters. http://bethnielsenchapman.com

Pam Tillis (2009)

A CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Pam Tillis has written songs for some of the top singers in and beyond Nashville, including more than a few of her own hits. She knows what it's like to break the platinum barrier, to top the singles charts time and again, to bask in an ovation at her induction as a member of the Opry or play in the intimate hush of the Bluebird Café. She has bathed in the lights of Broadway, posed for glamour magazine spreads, sung ballads in Bay Area bistros, batted wicked one-liners back to Tom Bergeron on Hollywood Squares, even made cameos in movies. http://ww w.pamtillis.com

Jai Josefs (2009)

Jai Josefs is a nationally-renowned songwriting coach. His book Writing Music for Hit Songs is recognized as the definitive text on modern music writing and has been endorsed by numerous hit writers including Diane Warren. Jai has taught songwriting at UCLA and at seminars and conferences throughout North America. Many of Jai’s students have been signed to major label deals and have had top 20 Billboard hits. Jai is also a successful songwriter/producer placing more than 30 songs with artists like Jose Feliciano and companies such as MCA, RCA, Motown, and Disney. His songs have appeared on TV shows on every major network (CSI, Medium, Brothers and Sisters, Monk, Cold Case etc.) and in major motion pictures. www.jaijomusic.com