You can uke
grand lake, colorado
july 28 – august 2, 2025
FIND YOUR “ALTITUDE” IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS!
If you’re a ‘ukulele enthusiast who is ready to amplify your musical gifts to the world and bring joy and abundance to your music making – then join us in Grand Lake, Colorado for a soul-stirring never-to-be-forgotten voice and ukulele retreat.
IS THIS YOU?
- You yearn for uke-nique, LIFE-changing experiences
- You CONNECT to your community through music making
- You crave freedom and time to RECHARGE and nurture your creativity
- You DESIRE adventure
- You seek the SPACE to connect with other like minded music makers to exchange ideas and possibilities
If you answered yes to 3 or more of these, then this ukulele and voice retreat was made JUST FOR YOU… That’s why you’re going to LOVE this You Can Uke retreat in Grand Lake, Colorado!
John Denver said it best: “Now he walks in quiet solitude the forests and the streams, Seeking grace in every step he takes, his sight has turned inside himself to try and understand, the serenity of a clear blue mountain lake. But the Colorado Rocky Mountain high, I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky, The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby, Rocky Mountain high (Colorado), Rocky Mountain high (high in Colorado)”
Connect. Cultivate. Create.
It’s 6 days and 5 nights of adventure, delicious food, music making, connection, rejuvenation, learning – and FUN!
There is something about the magical energy of this spot, nestled between national forests and Colorados largest natural lake, Grand Lake, that will give your imagination permission to run free.
In the shadows of the aspen trees, we will gather together to explore new musical frontiers, let our inner storyteller run free, and share our gifts with each other. You will find the freedom in releasing your fears in this space to open yourself to new musical possibilities. Take yourself to the next level.
What YOU are going to walk away with…
So what can you expect if you spend 6 incredible days and 5 nights solely focusing on your music AND enjoying yourself on a rustic adventure at 8,369ft above sea level in the Rocky Mountains?
-> Well, what if you got the exact INSPIRATION you needed to perfect your ‘ukulele playing and singing?
-> What if you were finally able to release into your own UNIQUE sound with professional guidance?
-> What if you had access to like-minded individuals who are willing to SHARE ideas?
Would THAT be worth coming to Colorado? Absol-UKE-ly!
There are only 12 spots available because we want to create an intimate environment where everyone receives individualized attention and gains life-long friendships along the way.
Our Venue: Shadowcliff – A Mountain Sanctuary
Our immersive home for the week is Shadowcliff – A Mountain Sanctuary. Situated on 4 stunning wooded acres on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park, it boasts walking trails into the park, a short walk into town, wildlife viewing, the sound of rustling aspen trees, and a river that runs through it.
They offer European-style rooms with stunning lake and/or mountain views. Their distinctly unique feel has been described as reminiscent of summer camp, joyfully warm, and peacefully rustic. We will occupy the Rempel Lodge which offers comfortable and relaxing private guest rooms with shared gender-specific bathrooms and private showers down the hall.
The Compassionate Kitchen will delight your senses and keep you fueled for the week ahead. They work to source seasonal, local, and organic (SLO) ingredients when possible, focusing more on the beautiful, seasonal vegetables of the Colorado bounty. Aiming to use whole foods that bring immense flavor and high nutritional value all on their own – your tastebuds are in for a true Colorado feast!
Take A Sneak Peak at the Beauty
A Typical Retreat Day
Although we have curated bountiful days filled with engaging music making and private consultations, we have left time for you to explore, rest and rejuvenate on your own terms. You are welcome to create the day you want. Music making activities will be tailored to each retreat based on the unique desires of the participants – that’s you!
The morning could include a cup of tea on the balcony watching the wildlife, followed with a nourishing breakfast. A late morning group workshop with Marnie, and plenty of time for a refreshing walk on the property to find inspiration in the many colorful vistas.
After a hearty lunch, your afternoon might include a stimulating private consultation with a facilitator or a workshop with our Sally Carter, our Guest Facilitator. There is still time to take a walk to the lake for inspiration or visit shops in town along the historic wooden boardwalk.
In the evening, we’ll be treated to a mouthwatering dinner followed by the possibilities of stargazing to see the glittering canvas above in the dark sky, maybe an early bed time for extra rest and recovery, or some music making with new friends.
“Bonding”
“So much fun and bonding on our final evening. Sharing is living.”
“Thank You”
“This was a great experience. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.”
Retreat Details
What’s Included:
- Six inspiring days (and five nights) together with daily deep-dive sessions for personal growth
- All coaching and group workshops
- Two private consultations (30 minutes each – one with Marnie and one with Sally)
- Five delicious breakfasts
- Four beautiful lunches
- Five mouth-watering dinners
- Personal down time for relaxing, hiking, walking, napping and more!
- Salon of Sharing – a time for sharing music, camaraderie, and celebrating on our final night together
What’s Not-Included:
- Your round-trip airfare or travel from home
- Transportation to/from Shadowcliff
- Other non-included items would include: souvenir shopping, spa services and additional activities not listed (ie. hot springs, boat rental, guided hike, etc)
- Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance)
- Special dietary needs (most can be accommodated with an additional fee)
- Staff gratuity (optional)
Flights/Travel Planning
Arrive: Monday, July 28th
- Check in: 3:00pm
- Shadowcliff / Grand Lake, is a 2 hour 10 minute drive from Denver, plan accordingly
- You Can Uke meet up around 4:00pm
- Dinner will be served from 6:00-7:00pm
Departure: Saturday, August 2nd
- Breakfast: 8:00-9:00am
- You Can Uke goodbye 9:00am
- Check out: 10:00am
About Colorado & Grand Lake
What can I say? I LOVE Colorado!!! It is a stunningly beautiful state with vast contrasts in landscape. From the eastern plains, to the sand dunes in south central, the Front Range metropolitan corridor running from Fort Collins through Denver to Colorado Springs and Pueblo, to “Little Switzerland” in the southwest corner and of course, the pièce de résistance, the Continental Divide splitting the state from north to south in all it’s majesty. From their glowing sunsets, vibrant wildflowers, stunning range of colors, the mountains are no joke.
In the summer, you’ll find it impossible to resist the call of Colorado’s emerald-green national forests, fields of vibrant wildflowers and shores of crystalline lakes. Hillsides are blanketed with aspen trees and rivers lined with cottonwoods in shimmering hues. You’ll find red rock formations that seem to rip from the earth to the rolling grasslands. From the height of purple mountains majesty, Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll meet Mother Nature face to face and find few words to describe her magnificence.
Grand Lake is Rocky Mountain National Park’s western gateway. Surrounded by national forests, trail systems and proud home to Colorado’s largest natural lake, the small town boasts many restaurants, shops and activities along its historic wooden boardwalks. Grand Lake is home to one of Colorado’s few sandy beaches. A quintessentially beautiful scene is found in every spot in town.
Meet Your Facilitators
They are professional musicians and teaching artists who will guide you through this transformative experience with musical breakthroughs, challenging creative exploration, and helping you find your authentic musical voice.
Marnie Ward
Marnie deeply believes that music is for EVERYONE. Sharing music amongst others is a fundamental joy and responsibility and her passion is to give the gift of music to anyone she meets, without judgement. She is happy to share her knowledge of over 30 years as a performer and 15 years as a teaching artist.
As a performing artist, Marnie has been seen on a multitude of musical theatre stages to Carnegie Hall, with jazz and swing bands, her her Andrews Sisters Tribute Act – Reveille 3, and presents at ‘ukulele festivals across the US. She has been an arranger and performer with the Rocky Mountain Ukulele Orchestra for 8 years. Marnie is a certified James Hill ‘Ukulele Initiative (JHUI) teacher and holds a Certificate of Hawaiian Music from the University of Hawaii’s Windward Community College.
Marnie created You Can Uke Retreats to provide transformational learning opportunities in stunning locations grounded in nature; focusing on small, intimate group learning where long-lasting connections can be made. She is excited you are here for this opportunity she holds so dear!
As a teacher, she provides private and group instruction as the owner of Marnie Ward Voice & ‘Ukulele Studio based in Denver, Colorado.
Sally Carter
Sally Carter, based in Victoria, Australia, performs solo as Sally’s Ukulele, as well as in her duo, Green Fieldz. Sally regularly provides instruction for ukulele groups interested in ensemble playing, as well as teaching individually in person and online.
Her first love has been to perform on fiddle and ukulele in bands and duos at festivals, wineries, pubs, cafes and private functions. Sally’s resume also includes string quartets and a chamber orchestra on violin and viola. Encompassing a wide variety of genres from bluegrass to celtic, gypsy jazz to ragtime, classical, pop, and jazz; from fast toe-tapping tunes featuring daredevil acts of musical bravery to beautiful, soulful songs and melodies played from the heart, Sally’s shows take people on a journey, with plenty of banter and good fun thrown in!
In addition to performing, Sally has written four ukulele books for ensemble and solo playing. All books have tunes written in tablature, suitable for beginners through to more advanced. Her classical music background, gives her the knowledge and understanding of the principles of 4 part harmony writing as well as in composition. https://www.sallycartermusic.com
We are so excited to join you on this magical journey! Thank you for choosing us.
“Marnie and Cynthia were fantastic hosts! The setting was great and all the sessions were a fun and great learning experience. And we got to share this with a great group of like minded other ukulele players.”
“I found this retreat an excellent learning experience. The small number of participants, with 2 highly capable instructors, made for a very focussed learning opportunity. Much material was covered and the instructors were able to successfully target all levels of learners. I would highly recommend this retreat to anyone interested in expanding their ukulele and singing skills. Thank you Marnie and Cynthia!”
Accommodations
All rooms are in the Cliffside or Rempel Lodges. European-style, with shared bathrooms down the hall. All rooms have a small writing desk with 1 Queen Bed and either 1 or 2 Bunkbeds in each room. The Small Cliffside Rooms are an exception with essentials only.
If you would like to bring a musical friend and share a room we have a double occupancy rate; but we do not assign roommates.
Lake View
Single Occupancy
$2,750.00
per person
Located in Rempel and Cliffside Lodges, you will be greeted with spectacular views of the lake, sure to take your breath away.
Bring a friend rate: $2,420.00 each for double occupancy, separate beds available.
Mountain View
Single Occupancy
$2,650.00
per person
Located in Rempel and Cliffside Lodges, you’ll find views of the national forest with hopeful sightings of wildlife from your bed!
Bring a friend rate: $2,320 each for double occupancy, separate beds available.
Small Cliffside Room
Single Occupancy
$2,250.00
per person
This small room is comfy and cozy for one. A perfect spot for a solo get away with stunning view outside your door!
Single occupancy only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Payment Schedule & Cancellation Policy
- If accepted, a $500 non-refundable retainer/deposit and signed participant Agreemetn is due to reserve your place
- 50% of remaining balance is due on or before April 25, 2025
- Remaining balance is due on or before May 25, 2025
Refund Schedule
- 100% refund (minus retainer/deposit) before April 25, 2025
- 50% refund (minus retainer/deposit) before May 25, 2025
- After May 26, 2025, NO REFUNDS can be made. In some extenuating circumstances, a credit may be applied to a future retreat.
Can I share a room with another participant?
Absolutely! We do not assign roommates but you’re welcome to invite a friend or we can introduce you to someone else who is interested and you two can see if there is a fit.
May I bring along a non-playing guest or partner?
Of course, we welcome guests. You will each get the “You & a Friend” rate.
I have dietary restrictions, do they make accommodations?
Some dietary restrictions may require additional fee, just let us know in advance. We will ask you for your dietary preferences at a later time.
I’m new to ‘ukulele and singing, can I still participate?
All are welcome, even beginners. We anticipate a wide variety of skill levels at the retreat and since a lot of the participation is individualized it gives you a chance to grow at your own pace. Plus with only 12 participants, Marnie & Sally will create a tailor made program for just the 12 of you!
How do I get from the Denver airport to Shadowcliff?
There are buses, trains and shuttles for hire that come to either Grand Lake or nearby Granby. You may prefer a car rental for flexibility of travel. If you would like to carpool with a fellow participant we are happy to introduce you to help coordinate that ahead of time.
Is Shadowcliff mobility-accessible?
The facilities at Shadowcliff are nestled amongst hills and cliffs. Movement around the property involves a fair amount of climbing (hills and stairs) and unfortunately not easily accessible for those with mobility issues at this time.
This facility is not wheelchair accessible but our retreat in Ghost Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico is – you can find that info HERE.
