A Tri-City company that specializes in white-water rafting in the Fraser Canyon will next month launch its biggest songwriters' retreat.
Nick Solaczek said Reo Rafting is marking its 30th year with REO Fest, a weekend get-away from Aug. 16 to 18 for musicians of all ages and levels.
"It's about artists coming together to celebrate being creative and working past their creative blocks," Solaczek told The Tri-City News last week.
The festival, which follows the business' 14th annual, week-long songwriters' intensive, will include workshops, jam sessions, yoga, sporting activities and - for an extra fee - four hours of guided rafting over 24 rapids on the Nahatlatch River.
Among the entertainers lined up to play are Deborah Holland; Slava; Sam Weber; Chris Ho (2013 Vancouver Island Songwriter of the Year); Van Damsel; Young Pacific; and Port Moody's Greg Drummond. Both Van Damsel and Drummond are top 20 finalists in this year's Peak Performance Project for The Peak 102.7 FM.
As well, Port Coquitlam producer Ryan Worsley, who worked with last year's Peak winners Dear Rouge, will be on hand to mentor songwriters.
Sponsored in part by The Shore 104.3 FM, Granville Island Brewery and the Tri-Cities' Chamber of Commerce, the family-friendly event can accommodate up to 250 people, who will either pitch a tent on-site or stay in a Reo cabin.
Asked what participants will gain from the experience, Solaczek responded, "Apart from seeing these amazing bands playing on the edge of a river, they're probably going to take a few things away.
"They will explore some new areas, get tips from professionals, take their artistry to the next level and, as a bucket-list activity for many people, white-water raft one of the best rivers in B.C. this summer."
Early-bird tickets for Reo Fest are available until July 26, starting at $179. The package includes meals and camping. Visit www.reorafting.com.
