Registration is Now Open – Click HERE to Reserve Your Spot
Discover a Whole New Universe of Guitar With
Adam Rafferty & Peppino D’Agostino
June 2-4, 2017
Time Left Until Retreat Begins
75DAYS05HOURS16MIN57SEC
Immerse Yourself…
You and your guitar playing will SKYROCKET from attending the California Guitar Retreat in lovely Benicia, CA. – located between San Francisco and the Napa Valley wine region. Spend a jam packed week-end with two internationally recognized magicians of the guitar – Adam Rafferty and Peppino D’Agostino and immerse yourself in all things guitar.
How it Works…
Registration is open. Click the big orange button, and you’ll go to the registration page(which looks very similar to this page…)
Other guitar workshops Peppino has organized have SOLD OUT within a few minutes of registration opening.It would be a pity for you to miss out on the announcement, and possibly not get a spot!
Registration is Now Open!
For Registration & Pricing Info, Click Here
(Space is limited to 30 students ONLY, so hurry! )
“What Can I Expect?”
Whether you enjoy playing highly rhythmic and energetic compositions, arrangements of world music and pop songs, or prefer a softer, classical style – you will walk away from this retreat with some new ideas about how to improve your skills and tips for more effective practice and performance.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a musical week-end getaway with an intimate (only around 30 participants) group of like minded guitar enthusiasts. What could be more enjoyable then exploring a historic and artistic, northern California town, getting feedback about your guitar-playing from two leading guitarists, meeting new friends and dining in local restaurants, and relaxing at the end of the day with a glass of California wine.
You will even have the opportunity to perform or jam with your fellow musicians and instructors each evening!
This Retreat starts on Friday afternoon June 2nd and ends at the end of the day on Sunday, June 4, 2017. Sunday evening there will be an optional student performance at a small , Benicia venue.
All you have to do is bring your guitar and be ready to make some music!
All Levels Welcome!
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced – you are welcome here! You’ll enjoy the support of the teachers and the community of other students during this special retreat.
Here’s What You’ll Get
- You’ll Get Inspired to Learn and Practice
- You’ll Start Learning New Arrangements
- You’ll See Your Own Progress
- You’ll Get to Perform…Live!
- You’ll Jam With Students - and the teachers!
- You’ll Learn About Improvising – With Ease!
- You’ll Learn the Science of Groove
- You’ll Refine Your Technique
Plus 3 Awesome FREE Bonuses!
(For Workshop Attendees Only)
- BONUS #1: FREE – 1 month of StudyWithAdam.com (plus the 14 day trial = 6 weeks total for FREE! )
- BONUS #2: 10% off all Peppino’s Truefire Online Video Guitar Courses!
- BONUS #3: Autographed copies of the latest CD’s from both Adam and Peppino!
John L.Retreat Attendee
“The teaching was really great and I was so thrilled with the overall atmosphere – the connection of the students and teachers was really special, and I made quite a few new friends. I know from being in the event business for almost 50 years that this unique, magical, environment doesn’t happen by accident and I realize that you all were the secret sauce. Thank you.” – John L.
Photo of Peppino and Students at a Recent Workshop
The Daily Schedule
Friday 2nd June 20173:30 – 4:00 pm Students Arrive 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm Retreat Welcome & Introductions 4:30 – 6:30 Workshop I 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Dinner 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm Instructor Concert & Evening Jams
Saturday 3rd June 2017 9:30 am – 10:30 am Workshop II 11:00 – 12:30 pm Workshop III 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Lunch 2:00 pm – 3:30 Workshop IV 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm Coffee Break 4:00 – 5:30 pm Workshop V 7:00 – 8:30 pm Dinner 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm Evening Jams
Sunday 4th June 2017 9:30 am – 11:00 Workshop VI 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Workshop VII 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm Lunch 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm Workshop VIII 3:30pm – 4:00pm – Coffee Break 4:00 pm – 5:30 Workshop IX 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Performance at Local Venue (optional)
Christian M.
“Peppino is a fantastic guitarist who has monster chops in many different genres of music, from country to Bossa Nova to classical. He can also play Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed tunes all day long. I have attended several of Peppino’s workshops in Benicia, CA – and always leave the experience with something new. This is an excellent opportunity to spend a long weekend with Peppino and a group of like-minded players who come from all over the country to attend. We have a great time learning new tunes and techniques while also making new and lasting friendships. The food is excellent too!Peppino is a very humble and engaging person, which sometimes lulls you into forgetting that you are working with one of the premiere acoustic guitarists on the planet. I highly recommend this retreat.” – Christian M
The Location
Benicia, with a population of around 28,000 inhabitants, is a small waterfront town located on the banks of the Carquinez Straits – an hour north-east of San Francisco and twenty minutes from the Napa Valley.
Benicia Sunset
The Old Benicia Station
The Waterfront Promenade
Once the capital of California (from 1853-54), and the first Army post on the West Coast, Benicia has a colorful history that can still be felt today – and is part of the charm that has attracted many artists and musicians to call this place home. Even Dunlop Manufacturing, a leading producer of electronic effects, picks, capos, slides, strings and other musical instrument accessories has made Benicia its headquarters ever since its beginning days in 1965 when they started making such legendary products as the Crybaby wah-wah pedal and Tortex picks.
Accomodations
The Gold Package includes accommodation at either the Shorelight Inn, the Inn at Benicia Bay, the Union Hotel, or the Heritage Inn. The three main lodging options are within walking distance of each other and near the small downtown area. Each suite is tastefully decorated and welcoming to guests.
The Shorelight Inn
Built at the turn of the century, the Shorelight Inn was once known as The Anderson Hotel and also referred to as the Pink Palace. This beautiful, historic building was moved a half block to its current location on the Benicia waterfront and lovingly restored. Each suite is tastefully decorated and averages 400 square feet in size.
Each suite is tastefully decorated and welcoming to guests.
The Inn at Benicia Bay
The Inn at Benicia Bay has beautiful rooms and a tranquil garden to relax the soul. It mixes a rich history with modern amenities. This 1854 Victorian is located half way between the charming main street and Benicia’s Marina/Yacht Club.
The Union Hotel
The comfortable décor of the Union hotel is reminiscent of California’s past. In the middle of the nineteenth century, this cream colored hotel welcomed guests from all over the world with warm hospitality. The tradition continues today. Each guestroom provides both distinctive amenities and period interiors.
The Heritage Inn
The Heritage Inn is a modern hotel, convenient to the freeway and downtown Benicia. The guest rooms are spacious and comfortable.
On site is a jacuzzi and swimming pool that you can enjoy for a little rest or exercise before or after the workshop.
Registration is Now Open!
For Registration & Pricing Info, Click Here
(Space is limited to 30 students ONLY, so hurry! )
Duncan S.Retreat Attendee
“Thank you for all of your efforts, attention to detail, and hard work to make the guitar retreat such a success. It was an extraordinary experience for me. The teaching was inspiring and the camaraderie was wonderful. There was great playing by teachers and students alike.” – Duncan S.
Pricing Plans
SILVER
GREAT VALUEALL WORKSHOPS (13+ hrs instruction)
- Welcome Goodie Bag
- 2 Lunches & 2 Dinners
- Wine at Dinners
- Evening jam sessions & instructor performances!
- Sunday night performance (optional)
- Find your own lodging
- Breakfast on your own
$1299
THIS BUTTON WILL BE ACTIVE WHEN REGISTRATION OPENS
No credit card required.
GOLD
MOST POPULARALL WORKSHOPS (13+ hrs instruction)
- Welcome Goodie Bag
- 2 Lunches & 2 Dinners
- Wine at Dinners
- Evening jam sessions & instructor performances!
- Sunday night performance (optional)
- Friday / Saturday Lodging
- Continental Breakfast by hotel
$1599
THIS BUTTON WILL BE ACTIVE WHEN REGISTRATION OPENS
No credit card required.
PARTNER
PERFECT FOR THE PARTNERS OF WORKSHOP ATTENDEES
- Free time
- Explore the area
- Wine at Dinners
- Evening jam sessions & instructor performances!
- Sunday night performance (optional)
- Friday / Saturday Lodging
- Continental Breakfast by hotel
$299
THIS BUTTON WILL BE ACTIVE WHEN REGISTRATION OPENS
No credit card required.
Miles B.Retreat Attendee
“Peppino D’Agostino has impacted my guitar playing like no one else. His passion for the guitar is contagious. The breadth of skills and techniques that he brings to his students seems endless. And his ability to make the learning experience valuable, rewarding and fun to an entire group of students with mixed backgrounds and skill levels is second to none. Whether in historic Benicia, California or the Amalfi coast in Italy, every retreat with Peppino strengthens my playing in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Peppino’s influence has enabled my guitar to bring me ‘Close to Heaven.’ Grazie!” – Miles B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is your cancellation policy?A. You can receive a full refund minus all transaction fees/hotel booking fees within the first 14-days of booking. After 14-days, there will be NO REFUNDS. Please consider purchasing trip insurance to cover unexpected occurrences that might cause you to cancel after 14-days.
Q. When does the retreat take place?A. The retreat classes run from Friday afternoon until Sunday at 5:30 pm.
Q. Where does the retreat take place?A. The retreat classes will take place in downtown Benicia near three of the lodging spots.
Q. Can my partner attend even though they won’t participate in the classes?A. Absolutely, non-participating partners are very welcome and the price per non-participating partner (sharing a room) is $299, which can be purchased Here.
Q. What about accommodation?A. The Shorelight Inn, Inn at Benicia Bay, and Union Hotel are in the center of the small downtown area of Benicia and a five-minute walk from each other. The Heritage Inn is about a mile away. All hotels provide a continental breakfast each day. The Heritage Inn also has an exercise room, outdoor pool, and spa. If you would like to request a specific hotel, check out their websites and send your request and any other accommodation questions to Donna Wapner at dwapner@gmail.com. Priority for the downtown accommodations will go to participants who attend with a partner (when possible).
Q. Can I book extra nights of accommodation?A. Yes. Once you know the hotel room that you are assigned, you can contact the hotel directly to book extra nights.
Q. Who can I contact if I have other questions related to the retreat?A. Please email dwapner@gmail.com
Q. Can you accommodate those with dietary issues?A. We are happy to cater for people with diet issues. Vegetarians and basic diet requirements are included in the price.
Q. Is the venue and accommodation suitable for those with mobility issues?A. We are not able to accommodate anyone with severe mobility problems. Please get in touch with dwapner@gmail.com to discuss your particular needs.
Q. How do I get there?A. You can travel to Benicia either by air or road. By air: Benicia is about an hour away (depending on traffic) from both the Oakland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Public transportation to Benicia from the airports includes: BART (to Pleasant Hill) and then Uber – www.bart.gov or Evans Airporter to Vallejo – www.evanstransportation.com. You might consider renting a car from the airports.
Adam Rafferty & Peppino D’Agostino
Adam Rafferty plays solo “funky fingerstyle” guitar versions of songs ranging from the Great American Songbook, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Chick Corea – as well as original compositions. His guitar videos on YouTube have gotten over 13 million views.He’s an instructor as well, with a love for guiding his students through the mysteries of melody, harmony, groove, technique and how to practice and achieve real world results.His instructional materials include fingerstyle guitar DVDs, Jazz guitar DVDs, books and most recently his interactive online school called StudyWithAdam.com
Come and learn from Adam one on one this summer!
Peppino D’Agostino, a native of Italy, has been hailed as “a guitarist’s guitarist” by Acoustic Guitar magazine as well as “a giant of the acoustic guitar” (San Diego Reader). Consistently named “One of the 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists” by DigitalDreamDoor, even his Peppino D’Agostino Seagull Signature Guitar model has won accolades as one of the 10 best signature guitars by Guitar Player Magazine.He has performed in more than 26 countries, recorded 17 albums, been featured at prestigious international music festivals, and played with prominent artists from around the world – including Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Martin Taylor, and Eric Johnson to name a few.When not performing, Peppino also enjoys teaching. He has made various teaching videos, has individual students, and through the years has been an instructor at various guitar programs such as Creative Vacances in France, Acoustic Alaska Guitar Camp, Swannanoa Gathering, and Guitar Workshop Plus. Truefire, an online instruction company, has released two courses where he explains his influential guitar techniques and approach to composition. One thing is true – Peppino D’Agostino is always thinking guitar.
Time Left Until Retreat Begins
75DAYS05HOURS16MIN57SEC
Column 1
Registration is Now Open!
For Registration & Pricing Info, Click Here
(Space is limited to 30 students ONLY, so hurry! )