Fireside Song Retreat
Between the fire and the river, we remember what it means to be human.
September 18-20, 2026
Rosebud Ranch • Nevada County, California
A weekend of songwriting, authentic connection, collaborative creation, and creative expression.
Before screens. Before schedules. Before the noise, we gathered around the fire and beside the river.
The fire called us into expression. The river called us home.
For one weekend, we gather between the fire and the Yuba River to sing, create, listen, move, and remember our belonging to ourselves, one another, and the living world.
This isn't about becoming an artist. It's about remembering that creativity is your nature.
Between the fire and the river, we remember what it means to be human.
Ananda Murari
Songwriter
Circle Leader
Meet Your Team
Is This Retreat For You?
Yes, if you:
✔ Love music
✔ Miss feeling creatively alive
✔ Long for meaningful human connection
✔ Have a creative spark waiting to be expressed
✔ Enjoy camping and being outdoors
✔ Want to sing, even if no one has heard your voice before
✔ Value authenticity over perfection
✔ Are willing to participate
This retreat may not be for you if:
✘ You hope to remain primarily an observer
✘ You prefer highly structured conferences or lecture-style learning
✘ You are uncomfortable participating in group experiences
✘ You are looking for polished performances rather than collaborative creation
The Weekend Journey
Friday | Arrive
Slow down.
Meet your pod.
Share your first meal.
Participate in the Connection Lab.
Gather around the fire for a facilitated music circle.
Leave the evening feeling less like strangers and more like a village.
Saturday | Create
Spend the day exploring songwriting, movement, voice, and collaborative expression.
Share lunch beside the Yuba River.
Allow the river, the land, and the natural world to become part of your creative process.
Return to the fire for music, featured artists, and community celebration.
Sunday | Share
Complete your collaborative creation.
Witness the offerings from each pod.
Celebrate what emerged over the weekend.
Return home carrying more courage, connection, and trust in your own creative voice.
Your Home for the Weekend
Nestled on 78 acres of wild and beautiful land in the Sierra foothills, Rosebud Ranch offers a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world.
Towering trees, open meadows, star-filled skies, and the nearby Yuba River create a landscape that naturally invites creativity, rest, and connection.
Throughout the weekend, you'll gather around the fire, wander the land, share meals in community, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this special place.
What You'll Experience
🌿 78 acres of forests, meadows, and open sky
🔥 Evening fireside gatherings beneath the stars
🚿 A stunning bathhouse with hot showers
🧖 An acoustically beautiful sauna for singing, sound, and connection
🏕 Peaceful campgrounds nestled among the trees
🌊 Time at the Yuba River, including a guided creative excursion to the water
🍲 Nourishing meals prepared by a local chef
☕ Coffee, tea, and light snacks throughout the weekend
✨ Quiet spaces for reflection, conversation, rest, and inspiration
Rosebud is more than the setting for the retreat.
The land, the river, the fire, and the community all work together to support what wants to emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not at all. Fireside Song Retreat is designed for anyone who feels drawn to music, creativity, and authentic expression. Some participants may be experienced musicians or songwriters, while others may have never sung in front of another person.
All levels of experience are welcome.
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No.
The workshops and facilitators are here to support the creative process, not evaluate it. Curiosity and willingness are far more important than experience.
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Absolutely.
Whether you've never written a song, feel shy about singing, or simply want to reconnect with your creative spirit, this retreat is designed to meet you where you are.
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Participants camp on the beautiful grounds of Rosebud Ranch.
The property offers peaceful campsites, a stunning bathhouse, hot showers, and a beautifully crafted sauna.
Participants provide their own camping equipment.
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Tent and camping gear
Layers for warm days and cool evenings
Water bottle
Journal and pen
Swimsuit and towel
Comfortable clothing for movement
Musical instruments (optional)
Camp chair or blanket
Anything that supports your creativity and comfort
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Yes.
Our excursion to the Yuba River is one of the highlights of the weekend, but participation is always optional.
The walk includes uneven terrain and is approximately 20–25 minutes.
Alternative participation options can be discussed if mobility is a concern.
The river area may be clothing optional. Clothing is always welcome and entirely your choice.
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