In Person
August 24-30, 2026
Tuition, Room and Board €650.00 (per person)
Voices of Free Bop Greece 2026
in the spirit of Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton
August 24 to 30, 2026
Michele Hendricks, Kris Adams, Greg Burk
Join us in Greece for an immersive six-day vocal jazz workshop and retreat celebrating the lives, music, and enduring influence of Jay Clayton and Sheila Jordan—two visionary artists who shaped generations of singers.
Led by Michele Hendricks, Kris Adams, and pianist Greg Burk, this retreat is rooted in deep gratitude and shared history. Jay Clayton was the first artist to offer a workshop at our retreat center, and both Jay and Sheila inspired us profoundly through the many workshops they led—together and individually. Their fearless artistry, innovation, and generosity continue to guide and inspire our musical paths.
Each day begins with a movement class led by Caryn Heilman and Kris Adams, followed by two sessions of exploratory free jazz vocal sessions led by Kris honoring the music Jay developed, and jazz standards and bebop in the spirit of Sheila, guided by Michele and accompanied by Greg.
Set against the beauty and stillness of Greece, this week is more than a workshop—it is a gathering of voices, a space for creative freedom, and a shared remembrance. Together, we will sing, explore, and celebrate their legacy, keeping their spirit alive through music.
We invite singers of all levels who are curious, open, and ready to explore. Spaces are limited.
Join us in Greece to honor these remarkable artists, deepen your vocal practice, and be part of a living musical lineage. Reserve your place and add your voice to the legacy.
M I C H E L E H E N D R I C K S
Michele Hendricks is an internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist whose artistry bridges deep tradition with fearless improvisation. The daughter of legendary singer and educator Jon Hendricks, Michele grew up immersed in the language of jazz, absorbing its history firsthand while forging a powerful voice entirely her own.
Renowned for her rhythmic command, soulful tone, and adventurous spirit, Michele moves effortlessly between straight-ahead swing, bebop, blues, and free improvisation. Her performances are marked by emotional honesty, daring interaction, and a profound sense of storytelling—each song becoming a living conversation with musicians and listeners alike.
As a devoted educator, Michele is equally celebrated for her ability to inspire singers to find authenticity, freedom, and confidence in their voices. Her teaching emphasizes connection, listening, and personal expression, empowering vocalists to move beyond imitation and into true artistry.
Whether on stage or in the classroom, Michele Hendricks embodies the living legacy of jazz—rooted in history, vibrant in the present, and always reaching toward what’s possible.
K R I S A D A M S
Kris Adams is an acclaimed jazz vocalist, recording artist, and educator whose work bridges performance, pedagogy, and creative exploration. A longtime member of the Berklee College of Music faculty, she teaches voice, harmony, and music theory, with a particular focus on helping singers develop strong musicianship, rhythmic clarity, and improvisational fluency rooted in personal expression.
As a performer, Kris has appeared internationally in jazz and Latin jazz settings, collaborating with renowned musicians and presenting her own projects as a leader. Her artistry reflects a deep commitment to both tradition and innovation, drawing from the jazz lineage while encouraging fearless exploration and individual voice.
In addition to her performance career, Kris has led workshops, retreats, and clinics around the world, inspiring singers to connect mind, body, and sound. She is the author of Sing Your Way Through Theory, a widely used workbook that empowers contemporary singers to internalize theory through the voice. This approach reflects her core belief that deep musical understanding grows from embodied, expressive practice—where technique, creativity, and presence come together.
G R E G B U R K
Born in Lansing Michigan, pianist and composer Greg Burk grew up in a culturally diverse and musical household. At 15, Greg discovered jazz and by 16 he was working professionally. As a student, Greg was fortunate to have studied with Dr. Yusef Lateef, Archie Shepp George Russell, Danilo Perez and Paul Bley. These diverse influences can be heard in Burk’s highly personal and style.
His international recording debut, “Checking In”, was released in 2002 by the historic Italian label Soul Note. Numerous releases featuring Burk’s original music for duo, trio, and quintet have been released on Soul Note, Jazz-werkstatt, SteepleChase Records, 482Music and Tonos Records, a label founded by Burk in 2020. Burk appears regularly as a leader, and has performed with jazz luminaries such as Benny Golson, Kenny Wheeler, Steve Swallow, Sheila Jordan, David Murray, Dave Leibman, Frank Lacy, Jerry Bergonzi, Peter King, Steve Grossman, Mulatu Astatke and others.
In 2004 Burk relocated to Italy and is a professor of Jazz Piano at the Conservatory of Bologna.
BOUROS SEAVIEW RETREAT WELCOMES YOU
Sky Room
Meet in the Sky Room where you can sing with a beautiful view of the sea.
Fly to Athens Airport
Fly into Athens International from destinations around the world.
Taxi or Bus to Ferry
A taxi to the Ferry is about a half hour drive or take the bus right to the port.
Ferry to Island
Grab your tickets at the port and hop aboard for a one hour scenic trip across the sea to the island of Evia.
Farm to Table
Fruit, veggies and eggs come from the organic farm with some supplemental locally sourced natural and organic specialties.
Enjoy Nontoxic Body Care
Some complimentary reef safe, nontoxic body care products are provided so your body can get a vacation from hidden toxins in most commercial brands, and the environment is respected since we are so close to the sea.
Possible Concert in the town of Karystos
There is the possibility that we can organize a concert to perform the songs you perfect in town.
Visit an Oasis
Platanistos is a magical oasis we can opt to visit about an hour from Bouros. Enjoy a cool shady waterfall with pools and streams of fresh crystal clear water amidst sun-dappled greenery
Retreat Schedule
SUNDAY
Arrive in Athens and travel to Mets for an evening session with a view of the Acropolis
Evening Session 7-9p
Arrive in time for a 19:00 evening gathering in Mets, central Athens.
Enjoy a light meal at Nana and Caryn’s place with a view of the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Spend the night in a hotel, pension, or Airbnb of your choice (not included in price). Email us for a list of suggestions.
MONDAY
Morning travel to the island and afternoon session
Enjoy breakfast on your own at your B&B or pick up a Gravieropita (special goat cheese from Naxos pastry) across the street from our rendez-vous point
Leave for the island (ferry/bus/cab ticket not included).
We will have taxi cabs going to the island from Athens center carpooling all together.
We will stop in the nearby town of Karystos (10 minutes drive from Bouros) for some sight-seeing, shopping (you may want to pick up some local Greek honey, yogurt, olives for snacks or a beach mat or hat), lunch on your own at one of the tavernas along the waterfront.
Then we stop for mountain-fed spring water and arrive at the Center in the afternoon.
Farm to table dinner all together.
TUESDAY-SATURDAY
2 Sessions per Day
Two 2.5 hour sessions per day. Extra activities may include morning movement class, swimming, visiting a stunning waterfall, and participating in a concert performance.
Breakfast and dinner provided. There is a cantina on the beach and a fridge in each room where food can be stored.
SUNDAY
Depart on August 30 from the Island.
Check out around 11:30a
Pack up and leave the room by 11:30a.
Breakfast provided.
Organize your transport back together via ferry, taxi, bus or metro to airport, etc.
Feel free to book extra days after the retreat. It is a wonderful place to relax.
Accommodations & About Your Stay
Choose a private room or share with one or two friends. Twin nontoxic mattresses, in room bathroom with shower, kitchenette with sink, coffee/tea and mini fridge. Every room has a sea view and is a minute’s stroll to the sea. Outdoor showers in between. Solar hot water. AC. Internet. Well water for showering. Spring water in bottles for drinking
Bedrooms
Beds
Guests
Have a Question?
Policies & F.A.Q.
Nontoxic BodyCare and Clear Clothes
We will attempt to create a nontoxic environment for singing with a combination of provided nontoxic products and some we suggest you bring with you. By the end of summer, our supply may be limited, so check in with us a few weeks before your trip to confirm what we are able to provide that may include reef safe sunscreen, mosquito repellant, shampoo, conditioner, body and hand soap, body and face lotion, deodorant. Bring your hair and toothbrush and leave anything with commercial fragrance or chemical pesticides at home if possible. The retreat is so close to the shore we have committed to honoring the pristine waters, and the community environment will be healthier for all. For ultimate vocal support, in preparation for your retreat, wash your clothes with nontoxic laundry products so your body and those around you will be able to relax in this oasis from chemical assaults. Brands that we know are nontoxic include Seventh Generation, BioKleen, BioPac, Ecover Zero, Sodasan or use vinegar or baking soda.
What to Bring
Comfortable clothes for singing and one outfit you could perform in
long pants for hiking if you want,
bathing suit or two and sun skinz if you want to be in the sun as long as you want
casual dinner clothes for in town dining
a sweater or wrap for cool evenings
and a beach towel
if possible prewash the above in nontoxic laundry products like Seventh Generation, BioPac, BioKleen or Charlie Soap or baking soda or vinegar.
Flip flops
hiking shoes (if you want to explore the trails)
sunglasses
journal?
toothbrush and toothpaste and any other bath and bodycare we can’t provide (we will know about 2 weeks beforehand)
comb or brush
What Not to Bring
Don’t bring:
Anything with commercial fragrance or other hazardous chemical such as DEET, parfum, scent, fragrance, chemical sunscreen
Cigarettes – the retreat center is non-smoking
For fire safety, no candles, incense or anything else that might require open flames. The surrounding area is dry and fire is a danger. With supervision from retreat staff, it is possible to build a fire in the barbeque area or on the beach in the evening, but extreme care is needed and supervision required.
Outdoor & Adventure
In addition to your swimsuit, you may want to bring a snorkel, mask and fins to enjoy the clear waters where you can spot fish and seaweed. For hiking you may want some hiking boots and long pants to give you protection from brush as well as a sun hat. For extended hours in the sun, you may want some sun skins. At the private rocky seaside, some water shoes can help.
Day Trips
We can take a day trip to a delightful fresh water oasis – Platanistos – about an hour’s drive that offers delicious fresh water pools and cool streams communing with a lush green environment.
Art & Culture
The nearby town of Karistos has regular open air concerts.
Cantina at Beach and Restaurants Nearby
Next door to us, there is a cantina with a full array of coffee and other drinks as well as food that you can enjoy in a cabana lounge chair at the seaside. Within less than a ten minute cab ride, there are an array of restaurants to choose from as well as one with a bar a short 5 minute walk from us.
Checkin & Checkout
Check in is any time after 3pm
Check out is anytime before 11am
We will work with you if your needs fall outside of these hours if we have advance notice.
Let us know your travel plans and we can help advise you on bus from airport, ferry schedules, and how to get a taxi from ferry to Center. Rome to Rio is a great site and app that will provide transport details.
It is possible to book a few extra days on either side of the retreat.
Cancellation Policy
Seven day cancellation free of charge minus registration fee. After 7 days 50% of total room stay.
in person jazz vocal fun awaits
Reserve today