Menucha Retreat & Conference Center

08/30/2026

Instructor Highlight:
Alvin Youngblood Hart
When Alvin signed on to teach with us this fall, we were over the moon! Alvin is known as one of the world's foremost practitioners of country blues, and has an incredibly diverse background of guitar styles. He’s a WC handy award winner, Grammy award , and was awarded best blues album from Downbeat Magazine.
Alvin is a masterclass in wide range, as his talents range from Delta country roots, acoustic finger style, hard rock, and electric blues.
He even once performed as an honorary member of the Allman Brothers!
It was once said that “ Alvin is as good as you'll ever hear." by a guy named Bob Dylan. (You might have heard of him.)

You have a unique opportunity to see Alvin, one of the best, at The Alberta Rose Theatre in concert on October 6, and learn from him in an intimate setting, spending October 7-11 with us at gorgeous Menucha Retreat & Conference Center!

The links for Guitar Masters show tickets at Alberta Rose Theatre are here: https://albertarosetheatre.com/event/blues-in-the-gorge-guitar-masters/alberta-rose-theatre/portland-oregon/and and link to register for Blues in the Gorge guitar camp is in our bio above!

08/30/2026

Instructor Highlight:
Bill Kirchen

Bill’s superb playing has earned him the moniker of “Titan of the Telecaster." He's the founder of the “Dieselbilly” music genre, and is a pioneer of the Americana movement.
He brought his grammy-nominated guitar sound to Commander Cody and the Lost Airmen, has collaborated with Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello, and is now bringing his decades of experience to you at Menucha Retreat & Conference Center in the stunning Columbia River Gorge this October. This guy is a truly legendary player, and we want you to come learn from him! All skill levels are welcome! Link is up in our bio to register.


You can also buy a ticket to our Guitar Master show on October 6, which kicks off our Blues in the Gorge Weekend, at The Alberta Rose Theatre!
https://albertarosetheatre.com/event/blues-in-the-gorge-guitar-masters/alberta-rose-theatre/portland-oregon/

08/30/2026

There’s always more happening at Menucha than meets the eye.

Tucked into the grass, tiny birds are growing up right alongside us. And if you watch closely, you might catch a mother making sure her hungry little ones are well fed.

Wildlife is an important part of what makes Menucha special. From birds nesting in the meadow to deer moving through the property, the land is home to all kinds of life. We’re grateful to share this place with them and to be reminded that renewal and new beginnings are happening all around us.

08/30/2026

08/29/2026

08/27/2026

🍂 A little wisdom from the past.

This Instagram post was shared by a Menucha guest back in August 2014, more than a decade ago: “Just like the seasons, people have the ability to change.”

And here we are over a decade later, finding this reflection again in August. Just like the leaf shown here, summer is beginning its own transition. The rhythms of back-to-school return, the days shorten, and the first signs of fall appear across the Gorge.

Seasons remind us that change is not something to resist. It is part of the rhythm of life. A time to grow, a time to pause, a time to let go, and a time to begin again.

More than ten years later, these words still feel right at home at Menucha, a sacred space for purposeful work, reflection, and renewal.

What season of change are you entering?

08/26/2026

We are so grateful to Abbey Gilford’s Flooring for sponsoring a table at our Harvest Dinner and for being a long-time flooring partner to Menucha.

If you have walked through the buildings at Menucha, you have quite literally experienced their work. Their flooring helps create the warm, welcoming spaces where our guests gather, learn, reflect, and renew. It is a wonderful example of how community partnerships become part of the Menucha experience in ways people may not even realize.

Thank you, Abbey Gilford’s Flooring, for investing in Menucha, supporting our Harvest Dinner, and helping care for this special place. We are grateful for your partnership!

Learn more about them at https://gresham.abbeycarpet.com/

08/26/2026

Synchronized swimming at Menucha? Absolutely. 💦🏊‍♀️

Because sometimes you just have to jump in, get creative, and have a little fun!

08/24/2026

You don’t want to miss this! 🎶

This is my lucky number 13th year as the Artistic Director at Blues in the Gorge, at Menucha Retreat & Conference Center! And boy, do I feel lucky to share 5 days with the immensely talented folks on this poster.
We will be staying at one of the most stunning spots in the Pacific Northwest teaching classes, leading workshops, improvising music, and just hanging out with:
Alvin Youngblood Hart
Bill Kirchen
And
Vance Gilbert

The four of us kick off the week on October 6, with a public Guitars Masters show at The Alberta Rose Theatre then head up to Menucha for 5 days of teaching with a group of guitar players of *all* skill levels. There are links in my bio for both tickets to the show and the remaining spots available for Blues in the Gorge camp!

We’d love to see you at either or both of these events with this legendary lineup of amazing and award winning musicians! You’ve got six weeks to cancel your schedule for the week if 10/6-11 and head to Menucha!