Friday Keynotes & Workshops
Continental breakfast 9:30 - The Art Hub, 10018 101 Street, Peace River, Alberta
Introductions & Overview - 10:00am
Keynotes
10:30am – 11:15am – “Breaking it Down” panel discussion with Duane Steele & Maria Dunn – explore aspects of great songs.
11:30am – 12:30pm – “Writing 101” keynote with Robert Walsh – back by popular demand, Robert will take us through the mechanics of writing a song.
12:30pm – 1:15pm – lunch will be catered in & is included
Panel discussion
1:15pm – 2:15pm - “From the Page to the Stage” - panel discussion with Zachary Kay, Scott Randall & Steven Gevenich.
Breakout Sessions - 2:30pm – 5:45pm
Delegates will choose 3 sessions to attend, be prepared to sign up on Friday morning.
o The Art of Shameless Self Promotion – Jason Bacon. How to use social media and AI tools to the best of your promotional advantage.
o Soundchecks & Stage Plots – Randy Fillion & Randy Hodgkinson. Featuring Zachary Kay. What performers need to know when working with sound professionals at concerts and festivals.
o You too can EQ! – Keith Rempel. For musicians handling their own sound at smaller gigs.
o A Crash Course in Festival Applications - Steven Gevenich. Learn how to build an effective press package, and fine tune your outreach strategies to book more gigs and festivals.
o A Whole New Fretboard – Scott Randall. An exploration of how alternative tunings and capo techniques can open up your songwriting creativity. Bring your guitar and one or two capos!
Each session will be one hour in length spread throughout the Art Hub building, you can choose 3 to attend. There will also be 3 openings to book a one hour one-on-one session with Holly Sorgen during this time. If you are interested in coaching with Holly, please enter the draw Friday morning and three names will be drawn.
*Please note this agenda is subject to change*
DATE with a DEMO - Hop next door to Peace River Brewing for dinner, hops & talks then get ready to show your stuff! Click the Date with a Demo link to find out what you need to know about this fun event!
Rylan will be on hand to assist setting you and your instrument up, or to plug and play your song on your device. Bring six copies of lyrics when you arrive Friday morning.
Saturday Writing, Recording & Performing
Coffee at 8:30am - Athabasca Hall, 9705-98 Avenue, Peace River, Alberta
Overview
9am – 9:30am – Co-writing agreements and outline of the day - Sherry
9:30am – 9:40am – break into groups
Writing
9:45am – 5:00pm – predetermined groups head to rooms in Hall and next-door Anglican Church & write! Mentors will circulate to assist groups.
Lunch will be catered in at noon in Athabasca Hall
Once groups have finalized their songs, starting anywhere between 3:30pm – 5:30pm groups must report to the theatre stage for a run through rehearsal with Sherry. Rylan will record the songs at the same time as the stage rehearsal. This will streamline the recording and rehearsal process!
Supper break. Delegates are on their own. A list of restaurants will be included in your agenda package.
Saturday Night Concert
Please arrive back at Athabasca Hall no later than 7:15pm. Your group will have assigned seating.
7:00pm Doors open. Concert 7:30pm – 11pm - Cash bar & snacks available.
Act 1:SongRise Showcase – delegates perform their newly written songs.
Act 2: Scott Randall, Zachary Kay, Steven Gevenich & Keith Rempel
Act 3: Maria Dunn, Duane Steele, Robert Walsh
Act 4: Open mic if time allows
Please note - A reception will be held downstairs at Athabasca Hall for jamming, visiting of delegates, mentors and special guests. Delegate guests MUST purchase a ticket to attend, watch your inbox for details.