Living, Dying, Music, and Mystery:
A Retreat Exploring the Threshold

with Barbara McAfee

September 5 - 7, 2025
Friday dinner through after lunch on Sunday
Belisle Ranch, near Amery, Wisconsin
​(around 1.5 hours from the Twin Cities)

Everyone knows everything sings and dies. But could it be, too, everything dies and sings….
Galway Kinnell  
Join singer/songwriter and wise woman, Barbara McAfee,
in a soulful investigation of life and death,
living and dying,
song and silence,
beauty and mystery.
During our sacred time together, we will:
share stories about what we’ve learned from encountering death
delve into experiences that make us come alive
sing simple, nourishing songs (no music to read, no talent required)
gather a collection of songs to sing for our loved ones as they face illness and death
savor poetry that awakens our spirits…

Belisle Ranch features a therapeutic pool and infrared sauna for our use. 
$450 single occupancy (only 4 available)
$375 double occupancy
Price includes all food and teaching fee.
Single occupancy spaces will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Space is limited to 10.
Contact Barbara with questions or to register.

Singing Retreat in Mexico

Full Voice and Expression
A Joyful Retreat for Opening Your Voice and Your Life
(for women)

March 7-14, 2026
Mar de Jade Holistic Retreat Center
Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico
About 90 minutes north of Puerta Vallarta

A delicious week of vocal exploration, self discovery, creativity and deep play on the Pacific Coast.

This beauty bath will include:
  • community singing in the oral tradition – for the joy of it
  • vocal expansion using Barbara’s Five Elements Framework
  • fun vocal games
  • exploring great poetry
  • singing the sun down before dinner
  • a joyful dance to live music
  • lots of movement, play, ceremony, and deep conversation.

Our class schedule allows plenty of time to walk the beach, go on outings (whale watching, hikes, etc.), float in the pool, and nap in the hammock. We meet mid-morning up until lunch and then again after dinner, except for the evening we dance to live music! That day we'll have an optional voice clinic for people who want a mini-session to explore something with Barbara.

Absolutely no singing experience is required.

My cost for teaching for the week is $600.
Airfare, airport transportation, and lodging is extra.

To hold your place, please send a $200 deposit to Barbara.
Venmo - Barbara-McAfee-2 (9255 last 4 of phone)
PayPal - [email protected] (friends and family)
Check made out to Barbara. Contact her for the address.
Deposit is refundable until December 31, 2025.

There are several levels of room available.
The lodging cost includes 3 daily buffet meals, use of facilities, meditation and yoga classes.
Weekly lodging costs range from $1,190 to $2,310.

Plan to fly into PV on the afternoon of March 7 and depart on the afternoon of March 14. The people at Mar de Jade arrange transportation from the airport to the retreat center. Cost is about $30-$40 plus tip depending on how many people are in your van.

​If the booking app at Mar de Jade's website reveals no availability, contact Mar de Jade directly and mention that you are part of Barbara McAfee's retreat group.

Please contact Barbara with questions: