Join Cris Jacobs and friends for this inaugural retreat dedicated to the art of songwriting! Held at two picturesque historic locations in rural Baltimore County - Manor Mill and Oldfields School - this intensive weekend is an opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to build skills and gain confidence.
Whether you're just starting your songwriting journey or looking to refine your existing skills, this retreat is a perfect mix of group instruction, individual writing time, one-on-one mentor sessions, performance opportunities and a special live concert featuring the full roster of instructors - Cris Jacobs, Caleb Stine, Talbot Mayo, Letitia VanSant, Jordan Sokel of Pressing Strings & Laura Wortman & Kagey Parish of The Honey Dewdrops.
Participants will enjoy a low-key weekend in an idyllic setting, while gaining insight into the creative process of the DMV's most successful songwriters and learning to apply their wisdom and experience to your unique voice.
Sign up and we'll notify you when registration opens.
Instructor
A masterful guitarist with a soulful, expressive voice, Jacobs blends rock, soul, Americana, and funk. Known for fire and finesse on stage, he has collaborated across genres while building a career marked by authenticity and musicality.
Instructor
Paste Magazine named her among 10 Artists to Watch, and BBC Radio calls her a force to be reckoned with. She won the Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition and anchors the Baltimore Americana scene with intimate vocals and arrangements spanning sparse folk to rock anthems.
Instructor
Rooted in bluegrass, gospel, and folk from her family's Maryland farm, Mayo mixes old-time bluegrass with honky-tonk and alt-rock. Her debut EP reached #75 on the Americana Association Chart and features production from Grammy-winner Matt Rollings.
Instructor
A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist performing 100+ shows annually with 14 albums of original music. His work blends mystic poet with traveling preacher energy, offering personal connections at venues nationwide.
Instructor
Touring since 2009, this duo showcases the power and intimacy of two voices and two instruments across two decades. They blend electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, and clawhammer banjo with tight vocal harmonies while constantly experimenting with folk boundaries.
Instructor
Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist blending finger-style folk, R&B, rock, and reggae with heartfelt lyricism. Since 2008, he has released 8 albums and 2 EPs with national radio airplay, performing with acts like Gov't Mule and The Beach Boys.
Check-in
12:00–4:00 PM
Opening Reception
5:00 PM
Dinner/Cookout
6:00–8:00 PM
Movement/Meditation
7:30 AM
Yoga
8:30 AM
Breakfast
8:30–9:45 AM
Sessions (3 tracks)
10:00–11:50 AM
Free Writing
12:00–1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00–2:00 PM
Sessions
2:00–3:50 PM
Free Writing / 1:1 Coaching
4:00–6:00 PM
Dinner
6:00 PM
Instructor Concert
7:30 PM
Movement/Meditation
7:30 AM
Yoga
8:30 AM
Breakfast
8:30–9:45 AM
Sessions (3 tracks)
10:00–11:50 AM
Free Writing
12:00–1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00–2:00 PM
Optional Movement / Yoga / Hiking
8:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM
Closing Activity with Cris
10:00–11:30 AM
Check Out
11:30 AM
Lodging is provided at Oldfields School, a beautiful campus spanning 100+ acres located approximately 5 miles from Manor Mill. Accommodations include single rooms and shared rooms.
Linens are provided. Bathrooms are shared. WiFi is available on campus. Shuttle service between Oldfields and Manor Mill will be provided. Parking is available on campus.
Sessions
2:00–3:50 PM
Free Writing / 1:1 Coaching
4:00–6:00 PM
Dinner / Student Open Mic / Jam
6:30–10:00 PM
