Happy 4th of July!

I hope your holiday weekend is safe, cool, and full of friends and family.

My daughter Ella was born on July 5, so I have even more to celebrate at this time each year. I will never forget the long drive racing up I-95 past all the fireworks to get to the hospital for her arrival on the planet. The best drive of my life.

Lots to talk about! Summer shows, the songwriting retreat (our 10th anniversary!) and more.

The New England Songwriters Retreat (NESR 10A & NESR 10B):

10th Anniversary!

Friends!

Ten years ago, I had an idea: to create a retreat where songwriters could step away from the noise of everyday life and immerse themselves in what matters most in living an artist’s life—writing better songs, finding fresh inspiration, and connecting with people who truly understand this beautiful, often mysterious craft.

That idea became The New England Songwriters Retreat, and over the past decade it has grown into one of the most joyful, inspiring, and supportive creative communities I've ever been part of.

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we're once again offering two retreats at the end of the summer:

NESR 10A: Friday, August 28 – Tuesday, September 1

NESR 10B: Friday, September 4 – Tuesday, September 8 (Labor Day Weekend)

Each year, my partner Laurie MacAllister and I invite a handpicked group of our favorite master songwriters to Chester, Connecticut, where 100 students gather for an unforgettable deep dive into songwriting.

This isn't just a workshop.

It's four days of inspiration, creativity, honest feedback, meaningful conversations, laughter, breakthroughs, and music from morning until night. There are classes, one-on-one mentoring sessions, song circles, student concerts, late-night jams, and countless moments that remind you why you fell in love with songwriting in the first place.

This year's instructor lineup is one of our strongest ever. We're thrilled to welcome back Seth Glier as a permanent member of the faculty, and we're very honored to have Dan Bern, James Keelaghan, and Garrison Starr joining us this year.

Our home is the beautiful Guest House Retreat & Conference Center, a charming historic inn with cozy accommodations, wonderful food (including plenty of healthy vegetarian options), and the perfect setting to recharge your creative spirit. If you live nearby, commuting is also an option.

If you've ever wondered what it would feel like to spend five days surrounded by people who speak your language, encourage your creativity, and help you become the songwriter you want to be, this is your invitation.

If you're interested in attending NESR 10, complete our Pre-Enrollment Questionnaire (PEQ) here:

https://forms.gle/KHSRFwgkuRLjimv86

I truly hope you'll join us for this special anniversary year.

SUMMER 2026 TOUR DATES: