The Grand Barn’s Concept Music Week

Ottawa-area clothing-optional retreat hosts indie musician showcase


Ottawa-area clothing-optional retreat The Grand Barn kicks off its concept music week Saturday and staff say whether you’re bare or bundled up, there’s an activity or a performer guaranteed to entertain every attendee.

Started in 1977, the event began as an open house for jamming musicians.

The Barn’s Thaila Riden has organized the week since 2011 and he says he made a conscious effort to shift the focus in order to cater to a younger demographic.

Riden says he wanted to “get the next generation of talent to come out and push the indie scene while trying to make it a place where musicians can come and network. But frame it in a retreat setting so that way you get to relax, show what you got and jam.”

This year’s line up ranges from country (Judd Muth) to rock (The Sweet Alps) to alternative country (White Mariah.)

In addition to taking in up and coming independent musicians, the week features a writing workshop, nature walks and sporting activities.

The Barn’s motto is “at ease with nudity” and Riden says this philosophy pairs well with the relaxed attitudes of independent music lovers.

“If you’re looking for a really cool underground vibe; an indie music scene that’s relaxed, rustic and has an open minded atmosphere this is your event,” he says.

The Grand Barn’s Concept Music Week

Sat, June 29-Sun, July 7

3440 Country Rd #10, Vankleek Hill, On

Grounds fees; $20 per day, camping lots start at $7

the-grand-barn.com

Algonquin College journalism grad. Podcaster @qqcpod.

Read More About:
Culture, Ottawa, Nudity

Keep Reading

How ‘North of North’ is introducing Indigenous queer dramedy to a global stage

Actors Anna Lambe and Zorga Qaunaq on learning about forgiveness and queerness through their award-winning show
Barbara Hammer

Barbara Hammer’s endless influence

The lesbian filmmaker made a radical difference by making work that reflected her real life. A new documentary is cementing her legacy
Collage with two hands holding a bat, swinging towards a baseball with a dollar sign on it, against a blue background with a net, baseball player and the Olivia logo on an outfield sign

Why the WPBL partnering with a lesbian travel company matters

Support from lesbian brands and bars harks back to the queer history of women’s sport leagues
Confluence cover

‘Confluence’ brings Vancouver’s queer history to life

The late Alex Turner and his husband, Lucian Childs, have written a unique and rewarding ode to mid-century gay British Columbia
Advertisement