We are very excited to announce the 4th Annual Wood and Stone Songwriting Retreat

4 1/2 days on the Chesapeake Bay... dedicated to YOUR songwriting. Join 4 songwriters who have made a career of songwriting for writing & performance workshops, co-writing, great food and a killer view!  Tuition includes lodging, meals, workshops & a concert on the City Dock.

We've been overwhelmed by how many great songs have come out of the Wood and Stone Retreat, and wonderful to see how many lasting friendships are made. Alumni are truly like a second family, and Crisfield, MD is an idyllic setting to get away from it all. 

Alumni - if you haven't registered yet but plan to come, please shoot us an email (or register) to let us know you'd like us to save your spot.
Haven't been but would like to come? Go here for the Registration Application.

Some comments from 2015:
"Thanks for all of it; the retreat, your music and friendship. After last year's retreat, I decided to work on my songwritingthroughout the year. This year I've decided to work on a songwriting career."
P. Kronowit - California

I can't even explain how wonderful of a time I had, and how each and every one of you made this "newbie" feel like anold friend so quickly. I am reborn in my music. The tools that everyone shared will be put to good use."
P. Epstein - NJ

Take a look: www.woodandstoneretreat.com

Progress on The Nelson Homestead -

• Repaired and resurfaced the almost impassable driveway.
• Hired engineers for perc testing, elevation survey, structural reports and environmental reports.
• Removed dead trees and overgrowth from around the house.
• Cleared the graveyard (thanks to the Andersons).
• Capped the chimneys and waterproofed the roof.
• Had an historic masonry report done and recommendations on how to move forward with the brickwork & chimneys (Thanks to John Sines).
• Carpenter & consultants inspected the foundation and framework (Thank you Henry Snyder, Michael Devonshire, Vince Hosey & Bruce Wooster).
• Install outdoor temporary electric panel (thanks to Robert Purnell / Purnell Electric).
• Created, with preservation consultants Henry Snyder, Michael Devonshire and Sherri Marsh, a more in-depth rehabilitation 'scope of work'.
• Capped off broken plumbing inside house.
• Began researching and documenting the family histories of past residents of the house and have found some pretty cool stuff already: John Wesley Nelson, born at the Nelson Homestead in 1852, "originated the Del Monte brand in Oakland, CA" for the now global produce company, and international opera singer Arthur Ocheltree owned the house 1960 - 1962.
• In mid February, we submitted a grant application to raise the house to a flood safe elevation, build a new foundation and repair the framework. We should know before the end of April if we will receive it. We've been told the odds are excellent! We'll be holding the balance of our fundraising which is, magically, the exact amount for us to use towards the 25% matching funds we will need to secure the grant.