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

A still image of Anne, played by Amybeth McNulty, in braids and a coat, looking at another child in Anne with an E.

Why the adaptation ‘Anne with an E’ speaks to queers and misfits of all kinds

The modern interpretation of Anne of Green Gables reflected queer and gender-diverse people’s lives back at them 
Karla Sofía Gascón as Emilia Perez in Emilia Perez. Gascón wears black with colourful embroidery, has long hair, and a brown purse and delicate chain.

Trans cartel musical ‘Emilia Pérez’ takes maximalist aesthetic to the extreme

REVIEW: The film’s existence raises intriguing questions about appropriate subjects for the playful machinations of French auteurs
Dorothy Allison sits behind a microphone. She has long, light-coloured hair and wears glasses and a patterned button-up shirt.

5 things to know about Dorothy Allison

The lesbian feminist writer passed on Nov. 6

‘Solemates’ is a barefoot stroll through the history of our fetish for feet

Queer historian Adam Zmith’s newest book allows us to dip our toes into the past of a common, yet stigmatized, kink