A Joyful Little Musical Retreat

Sometimes, life moves so quickly that the music has to squeeze into the margins — between work, parenting, and everything else that fills the day. So every once in a while, I need to remind myself to step away from the noise and give music the time and attention it deserves. Recently, that meant a few days away from everyday tasks, trading the to-do lists for melodies, harmonies, and laughter in the Wisconsin Northwoods.

It just so happens Jenni, my dear friend and clarinetist in A Joyful Little Band, was also in need of a little “girl time.” We packed up our instruments, a few favorite snacks, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, and headed up to Minocqua with one simple goal: relax, reconnect, and make music. We stopped at a charming coffee house, a local Goodwill (who can resist treasure hunting), and enjoyed our little road trip.

The Northwoods were the perfect backdrop — tall pines, crisp air, and the kind of peaceful quiet that makes room for creativity. Between long chats and coffee breaks, we dove into some focused music sessions. We’d been meaning to add a few new songs to our set list, and this retreat was the perfect chance to explore some old gems.

Two tunes were specifically on our list: “Everybody Loves My Baby” (a jazz standard from 1924) and “Ballin’ the Jack” (a lively number from 1913). These songs are real treasures, and we were excited to see how A Joyful Little Band could bring them to life in our own style. We played with harmonies, experimented with tempos, and found ourselves laughing through the trial-and-error moments that always seem to turn into the most memorable parts of collaboration.

Taking this little musical retreat reminded me how valuable it is for musicians to step away and make space for creativity. Creating music takes time, attention, and a willingness to really “dive in”. It’s a mental adventure — one that challenges, balances, and uplifts all at once.

By the time we packed up to head home, Jenni and I felt refreshed, inspired, and just plain happy. The leisurely togetherness, the unhurried hours of playing and listening — it was exactly what we both needed.

Here’s to more joyful little adventures — and to the music that keeps us connected and curious.