25th May – 1st June 2023
Join us for a life-changing five-day songwriting retreat at Finca Ará Oko with the incredible singer-songwriter Jen Kearney. The week will offer daily lyric-writing workshops, melody crafting and chord progression development. You will participate in feedback sessions and interactive performances in a magnificently inspiring setting. You don’t need to play an instrument to participate, but you are encouraged to bring your instrument if desired. There will be a few instruments on site including a keyboard, guitar, Cuban Tres and various percussion instruments.
About Jen:
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Jen Kearney has spent some time seasoning her particular style of original music. Her sound is truly an amalgamation of musical styles including Soul,R&B, Funk, Rock, and Latin. Kearney’s music and attention to lyrics and has met critical acclaim nationally and internationally.
Kearney released an EP entitled “Atlantic” in March of 2022. She has written and produced six other studio albums and has done co-writing and session work with artists all over the world. She is a 2022 New England Music Award nominee for Soul/R&B act of the year.
Kearney tours both as a solo act and with a full band. She spent 2018-2020 living in London touring the UK/ Europe with her own act and with a 9-piece Latin band called Snowboy & the Latin Section who covered two of Kearney’s songs on their latest album. She has shared the stage with the likes of Maceo Parker, Los Lobos, Daryl Hall, Mavis Staples, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, The Derek Trucks Band and more.
Retreat prices – Only 10 places are available – Secure your place now!
All prices include accommodation, three meals a day and tuition. (Please see below for costs not included)
There are three different types of accommodation:
Single Room: We have 1 single room available (please note you will still be sharing a bathroom). Price £830
Shared Rooms (2-4 people): We have three rooms available. Price £690 each
Glamping (2 x 4m bell tents 2 people per tent): £520
In 2023, we will see the introduction of a two-bell tent glamping area. Our tents are luxurious, spacious and comfortable. (Please note; the photo is from the company that has made our bell tents)
Please visit our Accommodation page to read more about the facilities available at Finca Ará Oko.
Step 1: Secure your place by making a non-refundable deposit of £150. (payment details below)
Step 2: Fill out the registration form: Retreat Registration Form
Step 3: Email the completed form to us at: enquiries@fincaaraoko.com
Step 4: Pay the outstanding balance by the date listed directly to the bank details below.
Please check we have spaces and read our Cancellation and Participation Guide before booking.
Our Donation Policy
Would you like to support young artists (under 25 years) or female survivors of human trafficking to access our retreats? If you can spare any amount for this cause, we will match your funding. All you need to do is add the amount you would like to donate to your total when you make a bank transfer and let us know via the sign-up form. We will inform you as to how we spent the money. Thank you for your generosity.
Find out more about our work with female survivors of human trafficking – Moving Voices UK
Bank Details:
Account name: Bombo Arts
Account number: 63017399
Sort code: 08-92-99
Reference: Kearney 23
PayPal Deposit – Jen Kearney: £155
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Not included in the price
– Extra accommodation per night: £25
– Extra meals: Breakfast £5, Lunch £7, Dinner £10
– Alcohol
– Flights: The nearest airport is Almeria (1 hr 20mins drive), then Granada (1 ½-hour drive), then Malaga (2-hour drive). Fares range from £50-350 return. Malaga is often the cheapest and has the most frequent flights.
– Transport to and from the airport: Public transport, unfortunately, is rubbish. The cheapest way is to coordinate your flight times with others attending the course. We will help facilitate this and may suggest a flight time. Here are some taxi prices from 2022.
Taxi to/from Almeria (7-seater) – €110.
Taxi to/from Malaga (7-seater) €170.
Bus to/from Malaga to Motril (Alsa bus company) – €10
Taxi to/from Motril €80.
Taxi to/from Granada €110
– Transport during your stay.
Car hire: Some of you may wish to hire a car during your stay. It is a lovely place to drive with good roads and no traffic. If you choose this option, please let us know as we have plenty of experience of how not to get ripped off by car-hire firms.
– Travel insurance: Please make your own arrangements.
– Extra lessons
– Extra excursions or activities: There are horse riding, cycling and water sports activities available nearby. If you would like us to organise any of these events, please let us know beforehand.
*If you wish to stay longer than 7 nights, please check with us to see if we can accommodate you. If we can’t for any reason, we will be able to suggest places to stay nearby.
