March 27, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Note: the online sessions hosted by the folks at the national SSV are paused (see below).

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, March 30 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share.

And we're starting something new this week:

We liked what the vets in Texas were doing with having a song prompt that lasts for the whole month. It gave a little direction to where folks were headed, without being overly programmatic or structured.

So we're introducing Themes.

For the next month, consider the following idea and if it finds its way into your songwriting or your choice of others' songs to play, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Carl for suggesting the first one.

Speaking Truth to Power

Try writing a truth song, maybe perceived as a protest song, about to cuts to veterans benefits and services. Could be a song, poem or haiku.

Future Themes we're envisioning include Masters (great writers), How Stuff Works (how to, from technique to transposition), Play It Like You Mean It (performance), Song Craft.

So, give it a try. Or do what you usually do. We'll have some encouraging words, but no song police on duty.

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440



And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We wanted to let you know that our master classes are currently on hiatus. Rest assured, we’re working hard behind the scenes and will resume classes in the near future. Please keep an eye on your inbox for further updates.

Thank you for your continued support.



Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom April 6 and 13. The next session at Artichoke Community Music will be on April 20. Save the dates!

And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1

March 18, 2025

Click here to check out Sean Ramstead's new CD!

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Note: the online sessions hosted by the folks at the SSV mothership are paused (see below).

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share.

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440



And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We wanted to let you know that our master classes are currently on hiatus. Rest assured, we’re working hard behind the scenes and will resume classes in the near future. Please keep an eye on your inbox for further updates.

Thank you for your continued support.



Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom March 30. The next session at Artichoke Community Music will be on April 20. Save the dates!

And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1

March 11, 2025

Join us for some in-person inspiration on Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m.

We'll be in the upper classroom, as usual. Bring a song or two to share! Or just listen!

We met on Zoom last week. Here's how it went:

Jeff C, When my dreams are good, Were you here, Take me safe away

Deb, Butterflies in the rain, Crank the music, You can't wait

Robert O, Spilled water, Good ole country tune, Send me an angel

John L, A better love, Wildwood flowers, Boat without a sail

JMichaels, American Beauty, Bah mi Bah

Carl, The company of strangers, Play to win

Christina, gave some very nice feed back. We stayed after and worked on her sharing a YouTube video for next time

Ed, Big bone, One more cup of coffee

Trish, QOOC

If you like sharing a song or two and enjoy other people singing this is the place to be.

Here's where:

Artichoke Community Music

2007 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

Map

We won't be Zooming for this event.

On Wednesdays, in collaboration with Warrior Beat, we're offering something a little different on our Zoom space. We hope you'll stop by and check it out!

Here's an opportunity to sample a whole new way of connecting with the rhythmic part of what we do.

Join the Zoom Meeting from 6-7 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85695100053?pwd=RWpjcnVwM1hzWTBHenpqYnYxamdyQT09

Meeting ID: 856 9510 0053

Passcode: 700977



Look for us on Zoom on March 23 and 30. Join us!

And see below for other online events from national SSV:

The folks in Texas are offering a variety workshops on Mondays at 3 p.m. PST (they’re in Central time).

March Master Classes & Live from The Reveille Songwriting Retreat

March is going to be an absolutely outstanding month for our Veterans! Not only are we going to bring you a Master Class from Shannon Book, but we’ll be doing live broadcasts of our Songwriting Classes and Performances through out the week of The Reveille Songwriting Retreat.

Shannon Book

Shannon is a veteran, musician, and songwriter who has turned to music as a source of healing and connection. Serving 17 years in the U.S. Navy as a Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman, he deployed twice to Iraq, where the realities of combat took a heavy toll. In the midst of it all, music became his refuge—playing guitar and writing songs helped him process the weight of war and bond with his fellow service members.

After retiring due to PTSD and TBI, Shannon continued to share his music, performing at veteran and sporting events across the country, including the 2016 Invictus Games. He spent time as the front man for the band Vetted, bringing his raw, heartfelt songwriting to the stage and connecting with audiences through shared experiences of struggle and resilience.

Now leading Deliberately Broken, Shannon continues to pour his journey into his music, proving that songwriting isn’t just about telling stories—it’s about survival, healing, and finding a way forward. Through his music, he reminds fellow veterans and listeners alike that they are never alone in their battles.

Check out his music here

The Reveille Songwriting Retreat

The Reveille Songwriting Retreat is a week-long songwriting retreat for veterans at no cost, focusing on transformational healing through songwriting. Since 2016 we’ve hosted the annual event at the TR Ranch in Hallettsville, Texas, with fully ADA compliant facilities to accommodate the needs of 40+ veterans, songwriting coaches, and support staff. Our participants are drawn from the public, our own chapters, and the recommendations of our partner organizations. We have an arrival day to acclimate to the Ranch, followed by 5 intense days of learning, sharing, and songwriting, and closing with a concert open to the public and streamed across social media.

Each day, the Reveille Songwriting Retreat begins with a sharing circle, giving those in attendance an opportunity to state their intentions for the day and express themselves in a safe and comfortable environment. This is followed by presentations from our songwriter coaches who share their experiences, their craft, and their approach to songwriting and musical expression, which are made available via live stream for those who cannot attend in person. The afternoons are spent giving the veteran participants freedom to focus on their songwriting, work directly with our coaches, and to record their compositions at our in-house recording studio. Every night, we then gather for group sessions in the evenings and performances from our coaches after dinner.

Schedule:

* The class and performance times will be approximate from Reveille.

3/17 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

3/24 10:00 am CT : Songwriting Class from Reveille

8:00 pm CT : Coaches Concert

3/25 10:00 am CT : Songwriting Class from Reveille

8:00 pm CT : Coaches Concert

3/26 10:00 am CT : Songwriting Class from Reveille

8:00 pm CT : Coaches Concert

3/27 10:00 am CT : Songwriting Class from Reveille

8:00 pm CT : Reveille Closing Concert

3/31 5:00pm CT : Revue and Song Circle

Here’s the link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88537709299?pwd=UTNveVMwZmVDUjBzNXdFOC9GUVJRdz09

March 5, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Or go national at the online sessions hosted by the folks at the SSV mothership (see below).

Here's an account of our Zoom session last week:

There were sad songs (seriously tears in my eyes songs) upbeat funny songs and songs we wish we could find on Spotify; they were that good. We talked a little about how, with a small number of players there isn't time to practice your song while others play. Jeff brought up a good point that we should probably be listening to the other people playing. Both are good points.



Here's what will be happening on Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share.

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440



We are pleased to report that our Spring Guitar Class at the Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro is fully enrolled!

And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We’ll see y’all at 5 p.m. Central time on Mondays.

March Master Classes & Live from The Reveille Songwriting Retreat

March is going to be an absolutely outstanding month for our Veterans! Not only are we going to bring you a Master Class from Shannon Book, but we’ll be doing live broadcasts of our Songwriting Classes and Performances through out the week of The Reveille Songwriting Retreat.

Shannon Book

Shannon is a veteran, musician, and songwriter who has turned to music as a source of healing and connection. Serving 17 years in the U.S. Navy as a Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman, he deployed twice to Iraq, where the realities of combat took a heavy toll. In the midst of it all, music became his refuge—playing guitar and writing songs helped him process the weight of war and bond with his fellow service members.

After retiring due to PTSD and TBI, Shannon continued to share his music, performing at veteran and sporting events across the country, including the 2016 Invictus Games. He spent time as the front man for the band Vetted, bringing his raw, heartfelt songwriting to the stage and connecting with audiences through shared experiences of struggle and resilience.

Now leading Deliberately Broken, Shannon continues to pour his journey into his music, proving that songwriting isn’t just about telling stories—it’s about survival, healing, and finding a way forward. Through his music, he reminds fellow veterans and listeners alike that they are never alone in their battles.

Check out his music here

The Reveille Songwriting Retreat

The Reveille Songwriting Retreat is a week-long songwriting retreat for veterans at no cost, focusing on transformational healing through songwriting. Since 2016 we’ve hosted the annual event at the TR Ranch in Hallettsville, Texas, with fully ADA compliant facilities to accommodate the needs of 40+ veterans, songwriting coaches, and support staff. Our participants are drawn from the public, our own chapters, and the recommendations of our partner organizations. We have an arrival day to acclimate to the Ranch, followed by 5 intense days of learning, sharing, and songwriting, and closing with a concert open to the public and streamed across social media.

Each day, the Reveille Songwriting Retreat begins with a sharing circle, giving those in attendance an opportunity to state their intentions for the day and express themselves in a safe and comfortable environment. This is followed by presentations from our songwriter coaches who share their experiences, their craft, and their approach to songwriting and musical expression, which are made available via live stream for those who cannot attend in person. The afternoons are spent giving the veteran participants freedom to focus on their songwriting, work directly with our coaches, and to record their compositions at our in-house recording studio. Every night, we then gather for group sessions in the evenings and performances from our coaches after dinner.

Schedule:

* The class and performance times will be approximate from Reveille.

3/10 5:00pm CT : Shannon Book

3/17 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

3/24 10:00 am CT : Songwriting Class from Reveille

8:00 pm CT : Coaches Concert

3/25 10:00 am CT : Songwriting Class from Reveille

8:00 pm CT : Coaches Concert

3/26 10:00 am CT : Songwriting Class from Reveille

8:00 pm CT : Coaches Concert

3/27 10:00 am CT : Songwriting Class from Reveille

8:00 pm CT : Reveille Closing Concert

3/31 5:00pm CT : Revue and Song Circle

Here’s the link:

Click here to join the Master Class and Reveille Zoom meeting

Coming up:

We'll be at Artichoke Community Music on March 16 and on Zoom March 23. Save the dates!

And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1

February 28, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Or go national at the online sessions hosted by the folks at the SSV mothership (see below).

Here's an account of our Zoom session last week:

Attendees: Jeff C, Sean, Robert, Ed, John Michael

We chatted a bit, and started sharing songs. A full 2 hrs of playing music

Jeff C - Lancelot (Dave Carter), We Were Soldiers, Don't Let the Old Man in (Toby Keith), Rainy Night in Georgia (Brook Benton)

Robert - Undisciplined Heart, Virginia, Elder Canyon

Ed - When I go Back (Dave Carter), Snow Man (Sia), Brave Soldiers

John Michael - She Rocks Everything She Wears, Summer Rain, No one Left to Blame

Sean - Ordinary, More Time, Meandering Trails, Someday



Here's what will be happening on Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share.

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440



And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We’ll see y’all at 5 p.m. Central time on Mondays.

March Master Classes & Live from The Reveille Songwriting Retreat

March is going to be an absolutely outstanding month for our Veterans! Not only are we going to bring you a Master Class from Shannon Book, but we’ll be doing live broadcasts of our Songwriting Classes and Performances through out the week of The Reveille Songwriting Retreat.

Shannon Book

Shannon is a veteran, musician, and songwriter who has turned to music as a source of healing and connection. Serving 17 years in the U.S. Navy as a Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman, he deployed twice to Iraq, where the realities of combat took a heavy toll. In the midst of it all, music became his refuge—playing guitar and writing songs helped him process the weight of war and bond with his fellow service members.

After retiring due to PTSD and TBI, Shannon continued to share his music, performing at veteran and sporting events across the country, including the 2016 Invictus Games. He spent time as the front man for the band Vetted, bringing his raw, heartfelt songwriting to the stage and connecting with audiences through shared experiences of struggle and resilience.

Now leading Deliberately Broken, Shannon continues to pour his journey into his music, proving that songwriting isn’t just about telling stories—it’s about survival, healing, and finding a way forward. Through his music, he reminds fellow veterans and listeners alike that they are never alone in their battles.

Check out his music here

The Reveille Songwriting Retreat

The Reveille Songwriting Retreat is a week-long songwriting retreat for veterans at no cost, focusing on transformational healing through songwriting. Since 2016 we’ve hosted the annual event at the TR Ranch in Hallettsville, Texas, with fully ADA compliant facilities to accommodate the needs of 40+ veterans, songwriting coaches, and support staff. Our participants are drawn from the public, our own chapters, and the recommendations of our partner organizations. We have an arrival day to acclimate to the Ranch, followed by 5 intense days of learning, sharing, and songwriting, and closing with a concert open to the public and streamed across social media.

Each day, the Reveille Songwriting Retreat begins with a sharing circle, giving those in attendance an opportunity to state their intentions for the day and express themselves in a safe and comfortable environment. This is followed by presentations from our songwriter coaches who share their experiences, their craft, and their approach to songwriting and musical expression, which are made available via live stream for those who cannot attend in person. The afternoons are spent giving the veteran participants freedom to focus on their songwriting, work directly with our coaches, and to record their compositions at our in-house recording studio. Every night, we then gather for group sessions in the evenings and performances from our coaches after dinner.

Schedule:

* The class and performance times will be approximate from Reveille.

3/3 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

3/10 5:00pm CT : Shannon Book

3/17 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

3/24 10:00 am CT : Songwriting Class from Reveille

8:00 pm CT : Coaches Concert

3/25 10:00 am CT : Songwriting Class from Reveille

8:00 pm CT : Coaches Concert

3/26 10:00 am CT : Songwriting Class from Reveille

8:00 pm CT : Coaches Concert

3/27 10:00 am CT : Songwriting Class from Reveille

8:00 pm CT : Reveille Closing Concert

3/31 5:00pm CT : Revue and Song Circle

Here’s the link:

Click here to join the Master Class and Reveille Zoom meeting

Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom March 9 and at Artichoke Community Music on March 16. Save the dates!

And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1

And this:

February 21, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Or go national at the online sessions hosted by the folks at the SSV mothership.

Here's an account of our session at Artichoke Community Music last weeK

On a dark and rainy Sunday five SSV players showed up to play some great songs. Carl, Bill Valenti, Christina, Ed, and Sean enjoyed time together learning and performing. Songs we played include: Redemption by Bob Marley and the Wailers, Ripple by Grateful Dead, Stand by Me by Ben E. King, You Ain't Going Nowhere by Bob Dylan, Twelve Bar Blues by Bill Valenti, Love Potion Number Nine by Lee Towers. Everyone had a sweet time!

Next month we will have a post Valentine's Day performance of Love potion number 9, The Searchers, and many more.



Here's what will be happening on Sunday, February 23 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share.

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440



And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We’ll see y’all at 5 p.m. Central time on Mondays.

February Master Class

Steven Collins / Deadman

This month’s Master Class will feature Steven Collins, who has been writing and performing songs for over 20 years under his band’s name “Deadman” and has toured extensively throughout the United States, UK, Scandinavia and Europe. Steven is also going to be at The Reveille Songwriting Retreat this March, running the recording studio and helping everyone cut tracks. We’ll be talking songwriting, but bring any questions you have about the recording process you have as well. See you soon!

Steven’s Song Prompt:

Find the simple, elegant beauty around you. Find it in your environment and surroundings. Describe what is beautiful about it; how does it make you feel and respond. these simple things are often overlooked - they may be a setting for as story in your head where you can exchange ideas, a problem, a solution, an internal or external change. Focus on what is normally overlooked and bring it to the foreground. Have the chords try and reflect how it makes you feel, it will help the lyrics come easier: match your internal world with an external outlet through tone.

2/24 5:00pm CT : Revue and Song Circle

Here’s the link:

Click here to join the Zoom meeting

Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom March 2 and 9 and at Artichoke Community Music on March 16. Save the dates!

And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1

February 12, 2025

Join us for some in-person inspiration on Sunday, February 16 at 2 p.m.

We'll be in the upper classroom, as usual. Bring a song or two to share! Or just listen!

Here's where:

Artichoke Community Music

2007 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

Map

We won't be Zooming for this event.

On Wednesdays, in collaboration with Warrior Beat, we're offering something a little different on our Zoom space. We hope you'll stop by and check it out!

Here's an opportunity to sample a whole new way of connecting with the rhythmic part of what we do.

Join the Zoom Meeting from 6-7 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85695100053?pwd=RWpjcnVwM1hzWTBHenpqYnYxamdyQT09

Meeting ID: 856 9510 0053

Passcode: 700977

Look for us on Zoom on February 23. Join us!

And see below for other online events from national SSV:

The folks in Texas are offering a variety workshops on Mondays at 3 p.m. PST (they’re in Central time).

This month’s Master Class featured Steven Collins, who has been writing and performing songs for over 20 years under his band’s name “Deadman” and has toured extensively throughout the United States, UK, Scandinavia and Europe. Steven is also going to be at The Reveille Songwriting Retreat this March, running the recording studio and helping everyone cut tracks. We’ll be talking songwriting, but bring any questions you have about the recording process you have as well. See you soon!

Steven’s Song Prompt:

Find the simple, elegant beauty around you. Find it in your environment and surroundings. Describe what is beautiful about it; how does it make you feel and respond. these simple things are often overlooked - they may be a setting for as story in your head where you can exchange ideas, a problem, a solution, an internal or external change. Focus on what is normally overlooked and bring it to the foreground. Have the chords try and reflect how it makes you feel, it will help the lyrics come easier: match your internal world with an external outlet through tone.

2/17 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

2/24 5:00pm CT : Revue and Song Circle

Here’s the link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88537709299?pwd=UTNveVMwZmVDUjBzNXdFOC9GUVJRdz09

Big turnout! Good company!

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Or go national at the online sessions hosted by the folks at the SSV mothership.



Here's what will be happening on Sunday, February 9 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share.

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440



And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We’ll see y’all at 5 p.m. Central time on Mondays.

February Master Class

Steven Collins / Deadman

This month’s Master Class will feature Steven Collins, who has been writing and performing songs for over 20 years under his band’s name “Deadman” and has toured extensively throughout the United States, UK, Scandinavia and Europe. Steven is also going to be at The Reveille Songwriting Retreat this March, running the recording studio and helping everyone cut tracks. We’ll be talking songwriting, but bring any questions you have about the recording process you have as well. See you soon!

Steven’s Song Prompt:

Find the simple, elegant beauty around you. Find it in your environment and surroundings. Describe what is beautiful about it; how does it make you feel and respond. these simple things are often overlooked - they may be a setting for as story in your head where you can exchange ideas, a problem, a solution, an internal or external change. Focus on what is normally overlooked and bring it to the foreground. Have the chords try and reflect how it makes you feel, it will help the lyrics come easier: match your internal world with an external outlet through tone.

2/10 5:00pm CT : Steven Collins

Check out his music here

2/17 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

2/24 5:00pm CT : Revue and Song Circle

Here’s the link:

Click here to join the Zoom meeting

Coming up:

We'll be at Artichoke Community Music on February 16 and on Zoom February 23. Save the dates!

And this:

January 29, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Or go national at the online sessions hosted by the folks at the SSV mothership.



Here's what will be happening on Sunday, February 2 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share.

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440

And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We’ll see y’all at 5 p.m. Central time on Mondays.

Here’s the link:

Click here to join the Zoom meeting

Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom February 9 and at Artichoke Community Music on February 16. Save the dates!

And this:

January 24, 2025

Fine times at Artichoke!

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Or go national at the online sessions hosted by the folks at the SSV mothership.



Here's what will be happening on Sunday, January 26 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share.

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440

And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We’ll see y’all at 5 p.m. Central time on Mondays.

Here’s the link:

Click here to join the Zoom meeting

Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom February 2 and 9 and at Artichoke Community Music on February 16. Save the dates!