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“Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” Mary Oliver

A Gathering of Music, Tradition & Creative Adventure

Join Alasdair Fraser, Sally Ashcraft, Galen Fraser, Maria San Miguel, Cameron Fraser for an immersive weekend of music-making in the beautiful Sierra Nevada, close to the wild waters of the Yuba River.

Cup o' Kindness Retreat is a gathering for musicians who want to explore traditional music not simply as something handed down, but as something alive—something to play with, learn from, reshape and carry forward. Through workshops, small-group sessions, ensemble playing, conversation and informal music-making, they will share the repertoire, musical ideas and creative approaches that have shaped their own lives in music.

The weekend will move naturally between learning by ear, exploring rhythm and groove, discovering the stories and character within tunes, arranging music together, improvising, composing and finding greater freedom of individual expression within the tradition.

The Schedule

OCTOBER 25

SUNDAY

6:45: Dawn Daunder: Plein air poetry, painting

8 am: Breakfast

9 am-10:15 Classes

10:30 – 11:45 review final jam
(11:45-12:30 check out of cabins)
12:30 Lunch, sobramesa, self-guided hikes

3 pm-4:15 pm CONCERT Alasdair Fraser band, and San Miguel Fraser (open to public)

4:30 Departure

OCTOBER 23

FRIDAY : ARRIVAL & WELCOME

1-3 pm Arrival at Big Springs: check in, settle in, tour Gardens, facility, trails

3 Pm-4:30 Welcome gathering, instructor introductions, Alasdair teaches tune

4:45 – 5:45 Class : 1. Galen: Intro to Tune Writing 2. Pre-dinner Jam with Cam and ______

6 pm Dinner and sobramesa

7:30-8:30pm: short Concert by instructors

8:30 until late: jamming, dancing, singing

OCTOBER 24

SATURDAY

6:45 am: Dawn Daunder, Meadow Meander: plein air painting and poetry (SGA leading)

8:00 am: Breakfast

9am-10:15am: Classes

10:30am-11:45am: Classes

12:30 pm lunch and sobramesa

2pm-3:15pm Classes

3:30-4:45 Classes

4:45-5:45 options: forest walk, afternoon amble around the grounds, SGA-led craft project (idea: eco printing scarf using maple leaves) 5:45 Gather for dinner

6 pm dinner

7:30pm: informal Ceilidh - participants performances music, stories, poems,

9 - late: Jam sessions, dancing, song circle

Late: Stone soup

11 am (Optional en route activity, not hosted) Pre-retreat Jam Session at Fiddle Creek Campground along the beautiful North Yuba River: Bring your own lunch, and chairs.

Our Approach

No forced icebreakers. Just structured time in granite and pine.

We believe true restoration comes from intentional space, not constant activity. Our program provides a framework for deep engagement with the mountain environment and yourself.

Nourishment

Sustenance from the Sierra

Camp Kitchen Menus

Enjoy wholesome, seasonal meals prepared fresh daily in our open-air camp kitchen, focusing on local ingredients to fuel your mountain days.

Outdoor Coffee Brews

Start your mornings with freshly brewed coffee, served on the cedar deck as the sun rises over the granite peaks, crisp mountain air all around.

Dietary Conscious Options

We accommodate a range of dietary needs and preferences. Please inform us during registration so we can ensure a comfortable and nourishing experience for all.

View Open Dates

Ready for Stillness at 7,000 Feet?

View our upcoming retreat dates and secure your spot for an unvarnished mountain escape.