Buffalo Ridge Resort & Spa is pleased to announce our 2nd Songwriter Roundup – A Weekend Retreat
Buffalo Ridge Resort and Spa is hosting a Songwriter Roundup – A Weekend Retreat you won’t want to miss! Learn from Nashville’s two-time Grammy nominee Jan Buckingham and the extremely talented J4 (Joseph Wandass IV) and hosted by Nashville recording artist Gina Powers. If you are a songwriter and want to take your career to the next level, you won’t want to miss this amazing opportunity with these brilliant musicians.
Learn from experienced industry pros on helpful topics such as:
- Lyric Writing Mastery
- Melody Creation and Development
- Song Structure and Arrangement
- Collaborative Songwriting
- Writing for Commercial Success.
- Overcoming Writer’s Block
- Songwriting for Visual Media (Film, TV, and Ads)
- More
Friday, April 11, 2025 – Sunday, April 13, 2025
Course Content and Schedule
Friday, April 11, 2025
7 pm: Songwriters Arrive
Welcome Campfire in the Courtyard
Smores, introductions and music session campfire hangout.
Saturday, April 12, 2025
8 am: Group Breakfast in Suite
9 am: Session 1-Small Group Instruction
10 am: Session 2-Small Group Instruction
10 am: Large Group Instruction/Songwriting Round
12 pm: Group Lunch in Rock Room
1 pm: Group Activity
2 pm: Session 1 Small Group Instruction
2 pm: Session 2 Small Group Instruction
4 pm: Free Time
6 pm: Group Meal in the Suite
7 pm: Songwriter Round
9 pm: End of Scheduled Day
10 pm: Quiet in the Suite Please
Sunday, April 13, 2025
8 am: Grab and Go Breakfast
9 am: Meditation/Yoga
10 am: Session 3-Small Group Instruction
10 am: Session 4-Small Group Instruction
12 pm: Lunch
1 pm: Session 3
1 pm: Session 4
3 pm: Free Time/Concert Prep
4:30 pm: Evening Meal Available in Suite
6 pm: Concert
7:30 pm: Concert Concludes
8:30 pm: Final Gathering
Thank you and see you again
10 pm: Quiet in the Suite
Meet your Instructors and Host
Jan Buckingham
Instructor
Twice Grammy-nominated songwriter Jan Buckingham is a musical stylist whose vision has sculpted hits for Pam Tillis, Whitney Houston, George Jones, Melissa Manchester and many others. Jan has written for television (“Hollywood Wives”), and film (“My Cousin Vinnie”), and owns 14 active publishing companies, administering copyrights worldwide.
Just of few of Jan Buckingham’s writing credits:
- Whitney Houston, Moment of Truth, Single & On Shoop Shoop CD
- Lee Greenwood, I Don’t Mind the Thorns, # 1 Country Single
- Gary Morris, Between Two Fires, #3 Country Single
- Air Supply, How Do I Stop the Tears
- Tim McGraw, They Never Made It to Memphis
- Shenna Easton & Eugene Wild, What If We Fall in Love, Duet
- The Osmond’s, We Work Hard to Make Love Easy, Single
- Rick Springfield, I Need You
Joseph (J4) Wandass, IV
Instructor
Buffalo-born, Nashville-based musical sensation Joseph (J4) Wandass IV has been an avid force in the Nashville music scene for over 10 years. J4 has performed with and/or opened for major label artists Josh Turner Michael W Smith, Lee Greenwood, Darryl Worley, Walker Hayes, and many others.
Tantalizing audiences with his vocal prowess, multi-instrumental flare, and his self-produced recordings, J4 has made a name for himself since his first concert at 10 years old. After moving to Nashville in high school and playing on Broadway from 2013 – 2016, J4 decided to attend university for music. J4 earned a Bachelor of Music and Masters of Music at Belmont University where he worked as a graduate assistant and TA. His thesis entitled “Co-Writing Nashville Style, A Recital of Selected Country Songwriters” was published to the Belmont University Lila D Bunch Library in January of 2023. A copy is available here in the Lila D Bunch Digital Repository: “Co-Writing Nashville Style, A Recital of Selected Country Songwriters”
After graduating in December of 2022, J4 is pursuing his career as a Nashville recording artist, songwriter, and music producer. J4 has worked for multiple music companies including Singing Success, Nashville Cool Music Publishing, Discover Sooner, Washington Street Publishing, Molly Girl Music, and various others.
Gina Powers
Host
Gina Powers is a versatile and captivating singer-songwriter and recording artist with a unique blend of country, rock, and soul. Her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence have captivated audiences of all ages and musical tastes.
Gina has been singing and playing guitar since she was a child, and her musical influences range from Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton to Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Nicks. As an exclusive recording artist on the Hughmont International record label in Nashville, Tennessee, Gina released two singles, in 2022; “Till I Get Through the Night” and “Mississippi’s Burning,” both written by award-winning songwriter Jerry Foster. “Not Anymore” was released in early 2023 followed by two original songs: “All I Ever Wanted” and “Extra Ordinary Life”. In February 2024, Gina independently released “Love Will Lift Us Up” co-written with the Grammy nominated Jan Buckingham and produced by award winning John D. Willis,
In addition to her solo career, Gina is also the lead singer of The Gina Powers Band, a powerhouse country-rock band that has been playing together since 2015. The band has been featured in several publications and the Prairie Musicians television series.
Whether she’s performing solo or with her band, Gina Powers is a force to be reckoned with. Her passion for music and her ability to connect with audiences make her one of the most exciting new artists on the scene.
Sign Up Now!
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to collaborate with some of Nashville’s brightest, most talented songwriters. Learn the nuances of the business no one ever tells you about. This clinic will surely take your music career to the next level!