February 05, 2025
Sign up now for SIU’s 2025 Little Grassy Songwriter Retreat
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Calling all music fans who are songwriters or would like to be. The third annual Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s scenic Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center Feb. 28-March 2, and registration is now underway.
Poss Music Works, an Effingham nonprofit organization, and Touch of Nature are teaming up to offer the creative, collaborative musical weekend featuring workshops, networking opportunities, concerts and even the chance to write and record your own original music, complete with audio and video, in a studio. All musicians and their guest music lovers are welcome.
Full slate of activities
Organizers say the immersive music retreat will benefit beginning songwriters as well as those who already have a portfolio of songs as it incorporates instruction and challenges at all levels. It begins at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, and wraps up at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2.
The event includes:
- Workshops and panel discussions.
- Feedback sessions with talented and experienced faculty, many of whom are working songwriters and performers.
- Song circles, jam sessions and open mic sets.
- Breathwork, yoga, hiking and nature trail exploration.
- Performances by faculty, including Hope Dunbar, Katie Dahl, Hugh DeNeal, Terry Klein, Greg Klyma, Will Maring, Curt Carter, Tom Connelley, Bill Poss, Erin Goldstein and others.
- Five meals (two lunches, two dinners and a Sunday brunch).
- The option of adding an audio and video recording session in the Content Creation Station.
Purchase tickets now
Weekend passes are available now for $275. SIU students pay $175 with ID. The deadline to purchase advance tickets is Feb. 14.
Buy tickets online.
Passes do not include overnight accommodations, but Touch of Nature offers a variety of lodging options at an additional cost with reservations available when purchasing tickets. To inquire about having a friend or family member guest attend, email billpassalacqua@gmail.com.
Additional information, including daily and overall schedules, pricing, complete details and registration is available on the retreat webpage.
Visit the event Facebook page for more details and updates. Email possmusicworks@gmail.com with questions.