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

Collage featuring drag performers and the numbers 2025

The top 10 ‘Drag Race’ lip syncs of 2025

International seasons dominate the list of best performances of the year

Silky Nutmeg Ganache on taking a ‘Slaycation’ with Alyssa Edwards

The ‘Canada vs. The World’ star talks the value of a variety of drag TV and Miss Fiercalicious’ desire to be Galinda

2025 was about finding solace in the human-made slop

AI’s got nothing on good quality dumb entertainment—and only people can make that
Alyssa Edwards out of drag writing in a notebook

‘Canada’s Drag Race’ Season 6, Episode 4 recap: Battle it out

A fan favourite maxi-challenge from “Canada vs. The World” makes its return