Saturday, August 2, 2025
66.4 F
Beckley
More

    Songwriter's Retreat at Twin Falls state park scheduled Nov. 10-12

    The restored pioneer farm at Twin Falls will be a highlight of songwriter's workshop. Photo courtesy Rick Burgess

    Nationally known songwriters Jim Ritchey and Kelly Hunt will host the third annual retreat for songwriters at Twin Falls Resort State Park Nov. 10-12. The workshop is designed for songwriters of all levels but will be particularly helpful for those who already have written and need help perfecting their craft. Participants need not play an instrument, but a piano will be available, and everyone is encouraged to bring a guitar.

    Advertisement

    American Society of Composers (ASCAP) songwriter Jim Ritchey and nationally acclaimed BMI songwriter Kelley Hunt will lead workshop sessions covering topics about creativity, songwriting techniques, collaboration, music business basics and other related subjects. During the weekend, participants will have opportunities to write and share their songs.

    Twin Falls is offering special lodging rates for the Songwriters Retreat, including a variety of accommodation choices. Cabin rates and other package prices are available. The workshop size will be limited and reservations are required by calling Twin Falls Resort State Park at .

    Twin Falls Resort State Park, near Mullens, West Virginia, and Pineville, West Virginia, is open year-round and features a 47-room lodge, 14 vacation cabins, a campground, championship golf course, and extraordinary hiking and biking trails.

    Advertisement

    Designed for small and large group interest, the lodge has an indoor pool and fitness room, Wi-Fi and pet friendly lodging, and multiple lobby-style areas for visitors to gather socially. To learn more about Twin Falls State Park, visit  or call 

    About the Songwriters Weekend Instructors

    Jim Ritchey became a professional songwriter in 1976 when Texas artist Rusty Weir recorded his song “Coast of Colorado” on the Black Hat Saloon album. Since then, Ritchey’s songs have been recorded by many artists, including Kenny Rogers on “The Gambler” album, Mickey Jones, BeJae Fleming, Kelley Hunt, Montana songwriter Mike Croston, and the late Ann Rabson on her final CD “Not Alone.”

    Ritchey has taught songwriting workshops at colleges and universities across the country as well as the Augusta Heritage Festival in Elkins, West Virginia. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.

    Kelley Hunt is a roots/blues/Americana singer songwriter, keyboardist, and guitarist. Her career comprises five studio albums and one live album on the 88 Records and Coda Terra/Ryko labels, hundreds of thousands of indie units sold, airplay worldwide and songs on numerous compilations and in two feature films, one of which she co-scored.

    Advertisement

    Among her performance credits are more than 2,300 live shows, a long list of elite blues, roots and pan-genre festival stages in North America and Europe, and six performances as featured guest on A Prairie Home Companion. In 2006 Kelley, was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and is the recipient of the Kansas Governor’s Arts Award. Her current release, “The Beautiful Bones,” has been called by press, radio and fans the best work of her career. She lives in Lawrence, Kansas.


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    David Sibray
    David Sibray
    Historian, real estate agent, and proponent of inventive economic development in West Virginia, David Sibray is the founder and publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    Unique northern panhandle of West Virginia created by historic dispute

    WEIRTON, W.Va — West Virginia's remarkable shape is partly...

    August in West Virginia: When mountain customs come home

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — August in West Virginia is a...

    Wild and Wonderful: A journey through West Virginia’s most beautiful places

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There's a reason West Virginia is...

    Historic West Virginia heat waves and how the state can recover its coolness

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — While known for its forests and...

    West Virginia to host first-ever Spartan Trifecta World Championship in the U.S.

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia will make history in...

    Topics

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories