EARTH’S ORCHESTRA
STRUMS IN UNITY
WITH NATURE
Monday, May 27
4:00PM
Arrivals & decompression
Tuesday, May 28
7:00AM-6:30PM
Workshops & Activities
Making Music together
Wednesday, May 29
7:00AM-4:00PM
Workshops & Activities
5:00PM-9:00PM
Closing night concert – Music with the Mentors
Including Performances From the Participant
Workshop Participants must be overnight registered guests of the resort.
Engage
Glen Phillips
songwriter, lyricist, singer and guitarist
Alan Parsons
songwriter, musician, engineer and record producer
Chris Pelonis
recording engineer, record producer, studio designer, and speaker designer
Joss Jaffe
musician, producer, vocal & rhythm teacher
Event Description
EOSUN ARTIST RETREAT – THE SONGWRITTERS SANCTUARY
Our first annual EOSUN Artist Retreat is an opportunity to gather in the beautiful nature of El Capitan Canyon and participate in inspiring workshops guided by world class musicians, songwriters, sound healers, and multi-instrumentalists. Participants will have plenty of time to enjoy additional activities in the Canyon such as hiking, journaling, wildlife, wine, watercolors, and special culinary offerings.
Immerse yourself in a transformative experience at the EOSUN Artist Retreat, where creativity and nature harmonize to ignite your passion. Imagine yourself surrounded by the serene beauty of El Capitan Canyon, embraced by the melodies of talented musicians and the wisdom of seasoned songwriters. Feel the vibrations of healing sounds resonate within you, guided by skilled sound healers and multi-instrumentalists.
During your time at the retreat, you will have the chance to not only expand your artistic skills but also to connect with like-minded individuals who share your love for music and creativity. Dive into workshops that will spark your imagination and push the boundaries of your artistry.
When you’re not honing your craft, explore the wonders of El Capitan Canyon. Take a leisurely hike to soak in the breathtaking views, find inspiration for your next masterpiece as you journal amidst nature’s wonders, or simply relax and unwind with a glass of wine.
The EOSUN Artist Retreat is not just an event – it’s a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and connection.
Join us and let the magic of music and nature awaken your inner artist.
Connect
Alla McKeon
multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and practitioner of the healing arts
Cyrus Clarke
singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer
Andrew Freeborn
artist, sound designer, engineer, producer and teacher
Ky Takikawa
artist and music producer
EOSUN ARTIST RETREAT 2024
May 27 – 29, 2024
Workshops & Performances $499*
Bring your instrument and prepare for an inspirational and creative retreat connecting with others in nature.
Join us for this once a year event where we lift our 10PM curfew and allow our guests to strum in unity (play music at your accommodation) and join the sounds of the Canyon late into the evening.
Our special event is exclusively for overnight guests at El Capitan Canyon Resort.
We are eager to share this unforgettable experience with you!
Book your 3-day getaway now and come join us for EOSUN 2024!
Closing night concert performance
5:30PM Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Music of the Mentors | $26 Concert Only
Including Performances From The Participants
*Included with Workshop Package
To attend just the closing night concert, concert performance tickets are available for unregistered resort guests; with venue access beginning at 5PM on Wednesday.
Enjoy
Space Queen
vocalists, musicians and vocal teachers
Elyse Lenore
yoga facilitator
Dion Lyman
international yoga instructor
To be announced
Workshop Schedule
Tuesday – May 28, 2024
7:00AM – 8:00AM
Sunrise Yoga (Safari Lawn)
9:00AM – 10:30AM
Songwriter’s Sanctuary with Glen Phillips (Longhouse)
9:00AM – 10:30AM
Drumming & World Music with Joss Jaffe (Market Garden)
11:00AM – 12:30PM
Ukulele & Strings with Cyrus Clark (Longhouse)
11:00AM – 12:30PM
World Instruments & Sound Bath Training (Meadow Yurt)
2:00PM – 3:30PM
Songwriter’s Sanctuary with Glen Phillips (Longhouse)
2:00PM – 4:00PM
Live Looping with Andrew Freeborn & Ky Takikawa
(Meadow Yurt)
4:00PM – 5:30 PM
Production Insights with Alan Parson & Chris Pelonis (Longhouse)
6:00PM – 7:00PM
Sunset Yoga with Elyse Lenore (Safari Lawn)
Wednesday – May 29, 2024
7:00AM – 8:00AM
Sunrise Yoga with Elyse Lenore (Safari Lawn)
9:00AM – 10:30AM
Songwriter’s Sanctuary with Glen Phillips (Longhouse)
9:00AM – 10:30AM
Tala & Rhythm with Joss Jaffe (Front Market Garden)
11:00PM – 12:30PM
Recording Insights with Chris Pelonis(Longhouse)
2:00PM – 3:30PM
Songwriting, Vocal Harmonies & Arrangements
with Space Queen & Glen Phillips (Longhouse)
CLOSING NIGHT PERFORMANCE CONCERT EVENT
4:00PM – 6:00PM
Dinner & BBQ (Market Garden)
5:00PM – 9:00PM
Music with the Mentors (Market Garden)
Including performances by
Event Participants & Artist Facilitators
Food & Beverages are not included in the Workshop Package.
Artist Bio's
Glen Phillips
During his years as lead singer and main songwriter of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Glen Phillips helped to create the band’s elegant folk/pop sound with honest, introspective lyrics that forged a close bond with their fans. When Toad went on hiatus, Glen launched a solo career with his album Abulum, and stayed busy collaborating with other artists on various projects including Mutual Admiration Society, with members of Nickel Creek and Remote Tree Children, an experimental outing with John Morgan Askew.
“I’ve been playing a songwriting game with Texas folk singer Matt The Electrician, for about ten years. Every Friday, he sends out a title. We have a week to write a song that includes it. The process allows me to write songs I wouldn’t write on my own. I’m always surprised at what comes out.”
As I sat still during the lockdown, I realized how much is always here – in the space around me, in the sensations of my body, in the sounds and smells and tastes and thoughts that emerge and drift away. It’s not a new concept, but it is a novel experience when you’ve spent your life running from one thing to another.
Alan Parsons
Grammy Award winner Alan Parsons was born into a family with an impressive history in entertainment. His great-grandfather was the celebrated actor/manager Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. His mother was an actress, professional folk singer and harpist and his father, Denys Parsons, an accomplished pianist. Alan had dabbled with live performance in his late teens as a folk/blues acoustic player and as a lead guitarist with a blues band called The Earth in the late sixties in his hometown of London. As soon as he landed a job at the famous Abbey Road Studios at the age of 19, it became clear that the world of sound recording was to dominate his career.
He was fortunate enough to work as assistant engineer on the last two albums by The Beatles and after he qualified as a fully-fledged recording engineer, he went on to work with Paul McCartney and The Hollies among many others. But it was his contribution as engineer on Pink Floyd’s classic The Dark Side Of The Moon that really got him world attention. That soon led to striking successes as a producer and his work with the Alan Parsons Project. Among many others, he also produced the hugely successful Year Of The Cat album with Al Stewart.
Chris Pelonis
Chris Pelonis stands as a luminary in the music industry, revered for his multifaceted talents as a recording engineer, record producer, studio designer, and speaker designer. His illustrious career has seen him produce records for icons like Jeff Bridges and Michael McDonald, while also designing studios for renowned entities like Sony PlayStation and the Foo Fighters. Pelonis’s expertise extends beyond the studio, as he’s lent his skills to producing and performing on title tracks for movies such as “The Contender” and “Tideland.” With a blend of technical prowess and creative ingenuity, he continues to shape the sonic landscape of music and entertainment. Chris Pelonis has always focused on uniqueness and individuality emphasizing “There is no right or wrong when it comes to art.”
Joss Jaffe
Joss Jaffe has performed, led workshops and collaborated with leading yoga teachers for live music at festivals across the US, Asia, Australia & Europe. These include: Wanderlust US, NZ, Aus, Hawaii; Bhakti Fest; Sedona Yoga Fest; Big Bear Yoga Fest; Yoga Journal Conference; Thailand Yoga & Dance; Korea Yoga Conference; True Nature Japan; Lucidity; Beloved; LIB; Oregon Country Fair; Alpha Yoga Fest Shanghai; Rainbow Serpent Australia; Luminate NZ; Festival Of Colors and many others.
He is both an accomplished performer & workshop leader teaching: Tala & Rhythm introduction to Rhythm; Opening the Voice; Bhakti Yoga Workshops; Mantras for Yoga as his main offerings.
“Joss Jaffe gives a joyful, powerful workshop that allows students to experience the beauty of their voices – even those of us with fears and insecurities about singing! The vibration was so high we practically floated out, feeling as if we could sing with Krishna’s gopis, making beautiful music. Joss is truly a gifted teacher.”
–Renée Tillotson, owner, Still & Moving Center Honolulu Hawaii.
Cyrus Clarke
Cyrus Clarke is from Santa Barbara and has taught guitar and ‘ukulele for over thirty years. He has worked with Children’s Creative Project and Arts Outreach as an educator in classrooms throughout the county.
In 2007 Cyrus moved to Maui and was a guitar and ‘ukulele instructor at Kamehameha Schools Maui for seven years.
Clarke is also an accomplished Americana guitarist and songwriter. He owns his record label and publishing company and has produced many recording projects.
Cyrus believes music is the language of the world. He sincerely enjoys helping people to learn about music and stringed instruments and happily strives to inspire his students to achieve fluency.”
Cyrus Clarke’s passion for music and teaching shines through his extensive experience as a guitar and ‘ukulele instructor. With over three decades of teaching under his belt, he has positively impacted countless students through his work with organizations like Children’s Creative Project and Arts Outreach.
Alla McKeon
Raised in Santa Barbara, CA, Alla Rahka McKeon has been an active participant in the arts community, engaging in music and performance from a young age. With a background as a vocalist and instrumentalist, she has delved into various styles from jazz to classical. Over her 25-year performance career, she has graced many stages and supported numerous international artists. Alla’s passion for music shines through in her dedication to sharing the joy of learning with others.
Alla McKeon brings a multi-cultural essence to her workshops and sound journeys. As a trained musician and practitioner of the healing arts she combines her decades of study of the response of sound to the nervous system with her love of world music to orchestrate experiences that create a sense of ease and harmony for the participants. Using an array of instruments these sessions are crafted to produce a therapeutic soundscape for inner exploration. Alla has conducted sound baths for several years in many areas.
Andrew Freeborn
An artist with over 18 years of experience in the music and film industries. Graduating from Berklee College of Music in Electronic Production & Sound Design, Andrew’s journey has been a symphony of creativity and innovation. For the last decade, Andrew has been designing speakers at Sonos.
As the founder of Open Ocean Studios, Andrew has been a driving force behind the local music scenes of Santa Barbara, CA, and Newport, RI. His approach to spatial sound design, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, has established him in the sound production field.
Andrew’s talents extend beyond the studio to live performances, his expertise in looping audio for immersive sound journeys using Ableton Live has earned him acclaim on both coasts.
Andrew is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of sound designers and audio producers, empowering them to unleash their creative potential in the world of music and sound.
Ky Takikawa
Ky Takikawa is an artist and music producer based in the central coastal region of California. He leads group sound experiences that are oriented around improvisation, stillness, movement, and the harmony between soundscapes and instrumental motion. Through collaboration and participation each experience will be unique as different themes are explored and played out.
Ky Takikawa’s artistry and music production are intertwined with the serene landscapes of the central coastal region of California. His innovative approach to leading group sound experiences goes beyond traditional norms, focusing on the seamless blend of improvisation, stillness, and movement. By harmonizing soundscapes with instrumental motion, Ky creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that invites participants to explore new dimensions of creativity and self-expression.
Space Queen
Space Queen is a heavy rock power trio comprised of Jenna Earle (guitar/vocals), Seah Maister (bass/keys/vocals) and Karli MacIntosh (drums/vocals). They are known for their signature haunting vocal harmonies sent soaring over a cosmic canvas of neo-psychedelic rock. Since hitting the scene, Space Queen has become the go-to opener for Vancouver booking agents and have opened for many touring bands including King Buffalo, Blackwater Holylight, Meatbodies, Acid Mothers Temple and Mondo Drag, to name a few.
The members of Space Queen are all music teachers, band coaches and program creators/facilitators of rock programs – Women’s Rock Vancouver, JAMS Rock Camp as well as multiple youth summer rock band programs. Jenna, Karli and Seah are very passionate about music education and love sharing the incredible power of music with a diverse clientele!
2024 will see the band do their first foray into the US, with a west coast tour from Vancouver to Los Angeles.
Special Guests
The Canyon has a rich history of embracing musicians from our local community as well as from distant places across the globe. It’s anticipated that more contributors and participants will join in collaborating with our facilitators.
Musicians of all backgrounds have found a welcoming stage at The Canyon. The fusion of local artists with those hailing from far and wide has added a unique flavor to our musical landscape. As we look to the future, we eagerly await the arrival of new contributors .
Together, we will continue to weave a tapestry of sounds and stories that celebrate our shared love for music and creativity.
El Capitan Canyon Resort is a special slice of Santa Barbara nestled between the mountains and the ocean. Some call us the grandfather of glamping, but we are driven by a passion for hospitality and the chance to responsibly share this amazing place for people to connect in nature while still enjoying themany comforts of home. Join us for EOSUN and we invite you to the Canyon to learn, create, participate and relax. Book now!