Online School of Music: Gretchen Peters Songwriting Intensive
2025-06-15 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, United States
Other Rock

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A two-part online songwriting intensive with Gretchen Peters For over two decades, Gretchen Peters has been one of Nashville's most beloved and respected artists. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014 by singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell, who called her "both a songwriter and a poet,” Peters has accumulated accolades as a songwriter for artists as diverse as Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, The Neville Brothers, Patty Loveless, George Strait, Bryan Adams and Faith Hill. Her song “Independence Day” won a CMA Song of the Year award in 1995. She has been nominated for 2 Grammys, a Golden Globe, and numerous other awards. Part One: Sundays April 27 – May 18, 2025 Part Two: Sundays June 8, 15, 22, 29, 2025 On ZOOM 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT ( the two week break between is time for implementing what you learned in preparation for part two) Each class will run approximately 2 hours. All sessions are recorded and will be made available for review within 48 hours. One of the oldest phrases in any language is ‘tell me a story.’ Songwriting is storytelling, and telling your story in a compelling way is all about authenticity and detail. It’s about what you say, and what you don’t say. It’s about the truth, but not necessarily the facts. In this workshop, we’ll explore the process of songwriting—the art and the craft, and the delicate balance between the two. We’ll learn how to keep a sense of creative play and when (and how) to welcome your inner critic into the room. We’ll find ways to work through “writer’s block.” We’ll learn that only through the specific do you achieve the universal—and that’s the holy grail in songwriting and all writing. We write to find out who we are, and in the process we find out we are not alone. – Gretchen Class Description This 2 month intensive workshop with Gretchen will be divided into two parts. In Part One, we’ll focus on: Writing authentically: how to build the back story for your charactersUsing detail and imagery in your lyricsUsing your subconscious as your compassHow to keep your sense of creative play alive and when to “invite the editor” into the writing roomFinding and fine-tuning your melody and chordsStructure: song forms and rhyme schemesIn Part Two, you will bring your songs to play for Gretchen and the class each week, and we’ll use these feedback sessions as “teachable moments” for the whole class. This is where a lot of the lessons of the previous four weeks really sink in – seeing the concepts we’ve talked about actually put into practice. You will “graduate” with many more tools for your songwriting toolkit, including: Focusing your song’s POV – thinking of songs filmicallyHow to access your subconscious during the writing processHow verse order can change everythingWhy it’s better to let the song tell you “what it’s about”How to edit your song, and what to look out for in the editing processWhat to do when you’re stuckSongwriting promptsThe care and feeding of your creative selfBring to our first class Pen & paper or your preferred way of taking notes An open heart and mind How to prepare: In addition, please do Morning Pages for at least one week leading up to the class. Click here for a description of Morning Pages. It is ESSENTIAL that you do this exercise first thing in the morning – before coffee, before breakfast, before anything. Do not edit, cross out, analyze or otherwise “judge” your three pages – don’t think, just write. This is meant to be stream of consciousness writing – it doesn’t need to have form, rhyme, or shape. You will not be required to show your Morning Pages to the class; it’s for your eyes only

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$16.27

General
$16.27

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

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Jontavious Willis
2025-06-15 19:00 - 21:00
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Blues revivalist Jontavious Willis brings soulful vocals, killer guitar, & deep tradition to Caffè Lena, with his original take on traditional Blues. Grammy-nominated bluesman Jontavious Willis brings the raw power, joy, and spirit of traditional Blues to Caffè Lena for an unforgettable night of blues music at its finest. With a sound rooted in Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel Blues, Willis is breathing new life into the genre—one toe-tapping, soul-stirring song at a time. His virtuosic guitar work, dynamic vocals, and Southern charm have made him a standout in the modern Blues landscape. Born and raised in rural Georgia and steeped in the Gospel traditions of his hometown church, Jontavious found his calling at age 14 after discovering a video of Muddy Waters performing “Hoochie Coochie Man.” That spark lit a fire that has since earned him widespread acclaim, a Grammy nomination, and a devoted international following. Mentored by blues legend Taj Mahal—who dubbed him “Wonderboy”—Jontavious made waves opening for Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ on their national TajMo tour. His debut album Blue Metamorphosis won Best Self-Produced CD at the International Blues Challenge, and his follow-up, Spectacular Class, earned a Grammy nomination and confirmed his place as one of the brightest young stars in the genre. Now signed with Strolling Bones Records, Willis’s upcoming album showcases his evolution as a songwriter, blending timeless tradition with fresh perspective in solo, duo, and full-band arrangements. Whether he’s fingerpicking a country blues tune or fronting a driving gospel-tinged groove, Jontavious Willis delivers with heart, heritage, and undeniable talent. Join us for a night of music that honors the roots—and carries the Blues forward. SAMPLE SONG Can't make it to the show in person? Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.

Doors Open
Doors Open: 6:30 pm

Price

Member
$16.27

General
$16.27

Child or Student
$16.27

inclusive of fees

Get Tickets

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