A Weekend of Creativity and Connection: Reflections from the HuCo Songwriters Retreat
The HuCo Songs Singer-Songwriter Retreat in Port Austin has become a transformative experience for artists looking to hone their craft and connect with fellow musicians. This past weekend was particularly special, filled with creativity, inspiration, and camaraderie. Attendees traveled from near and far to share their talents and stories in a warm, welcoming environment. We’re thrilled to share a recap from Ashley Monchilov, a dedicated songwriter who has attended the retreat for the past four years. Ashley’s heartfelt reflections, along with her stunning photographs, capture the essence of this remarkable weekend.
My name is Ashley, and I’ve had the privilege of attending the HuCo Songwriters Retreat weekend for the last four years. This past weekend was simply outstanding—words like "excellent," "wonderful," and "fantastic" don’t do it justice.
The retreat has become a staple event in my life. I live in Caro, and while I cherish many aspects of the thumb area, we often lack the musical opportunities found in larger cities. What Nicholas and the Port Austin Artist in Residence program have brought to this area is truly a gift. We welcomed many returning songwriters alongside incredibly talented new faces this year.
We had a past attendee fly in from LA, another songwriter drive in from Indiana, and many others from across Michigan. Our guest instructor, Rachel Davis—who made the trek from Nashville—was encouraging, insightful, and immensely talented. The Bee Barn, steeped in Port Austin’s history, provided a beautiful backdrop for our creative endeavors, and the memories we created there will be cherished for years to come.
Over the weekend, we learned a great deal, openly discussed our struggles, and uplifted one another through laughter and shared experiences. Performing our original songs at the Port Austin Community Playhouse was a blast, and we were thrilled to see so many guests come out to support us.
By the end of the weekend, numerous songs were crafted in this inspiring space, and this year’s creations were some of the best! We always leave the retreat having connected with each other on social media, which allows us to stay updated and cheer on our HuCo family throughout the year. Here’s to the HuCo Songwriters Retreat—we can’t wait to return for year five!
As we reflect on the incredible moments from the HuCo Songwriters Retreat, we invite you to share this story with fellow musicians and lovers of live music. Whether you’re a songwriter looking for inspiration or a fan eager to support local talent, this retreat is a celebration of creativity and connection that deserves to be shared. Let’s spread the word and keep the spirit of music alive in our community!
For more information about the retreat, visit: HuCo Songs Retreat Weekend