⭐GOLDEN AGE⭐
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VOCAL
PERFORMANCE RETREAT
Develop your stage persona in this time-bending immersion for the modern singer with a vintage soul
Only a few left!
An experience for jazz and American Songbook vocalists at all stages
with Kimberly Hawkey
⬇️
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Join us in the heart of the Catskills:
a former entertainment empire where the wild spirit of the mountains meets the neon memories of an era gone…
…or is it?
Golden Age
Golden Age
"wish you were here” 🎶
LIMITED ENGAGEMENT:
March 12-15, 2026
The Starlite Motel
Kerhonksen, NY
TAKE A GLIMPSE INSIDE
HERE’S WHAT AWAITS YOU…
RETRO-LUXE SANCTUARY: 4 days / 3 nights in a private King room at The Starlite Motel, a restored 1960s neon-lit gem
STAGE PERSONA DEVELOPMENT: Intensive masterclasses to shed your "thinking mind" and inhabit your most magnetic identity
MAESTRA: Coachings and masterclass with a professional live pianist where you have artistic control with expert guidance
SECRET SHOWCASE: A culminating private performance in a hidden mid-century nightclub. Refine your craft and take risks in a mock headliner experience
ARTISTIC PLAY : 1950s Hollywood-style afterparties, singing around the piano, and fireside vintage record sessions
WELLNESS: Yoga, movement, and vocal warmups to ground your artistry in your body, plus dietary tips to keep your voice sounding its best in all conditions
CHEF-CATERED EXCELLENCE: All-inclusive homemade meals, including a friendly, but formal dinner in your finest vintage-inspired attire
INTIMATE COMMUNITY: Limited to 10 serious seekers (amateur & pro) serving as a positive mirror for your growth
HISTORIC EXCURSION: An optional farewell lunch at the legendary Mohonk Mountain House and visits to other context-building sites
FULL STEWARDSHIP: All-inclusive pricing at $1,650, with payment plans and transportation assistance
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Let’s Rewind:
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THE INVITATION
We spend so much of our lives performing from the neck up. We get caught in the mechanics of technique, the "shoulds" of the industry, and in our own internal critiques. But there is a version of you—radiant, effortless, and magnetic—that only emerges when the modern world falls away.
I invite you to a weekend of aesthetic immersion and creative play. This is not just a coaching retreat; it is a sanctuary designed to help you shed your old skin and inhabit a stage persona that feels like your most authentic, amplified self.
Set in the storied landscape of the Catskills—once the vibrant "Borscht Belt" empire of nightlife and legends—we will use the supportive mirror of our fellow artists to reflect back our highest potential. Here, we don't just work on songs; we curate a state of being.
love + music,
Kimberly
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THE SETTING
The Starlite Motel
Our home for the weekend is a lovingly restored 1960s motor lodge that hums with the energy of a bygone era. With its iconic pink-and-blue neon and mid-century charm, it is the perfect portal for our transformation. Your Private King Room is a blend of retro-cool and modern luxe—outfitted with organic linens and bath products—offering a quiet space to integrate the day’s discoveries. Our activities take place in an adjacent gathering space, where you can sing, grow, unwind and partake in our family style, vintage dinner parties
The Secret Nightclub
Part of the magic is the mystery. Our journey culminates in a private performance at a hidden, mid-century gem. Imagine low lights, dark wood, and the weightless feeling of a stage that has seen decades of endless nights and eager applause. Here, with a live piano accompanist and professional sound, you will take center stage. A Hollywood-inspired after-party will follow. Our masterclass immersions are designed to prep you for this mock Headline experience, where you take centerstage and have full control over your performance.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Arrival: Thursday, March 12th
Departure: Sunday, March 15th
Lodging & workshops at
THE STARLITE MOTEL
Kerhonksen, NYExcursion and nightclub showcase at
a secret midcentury location ✨Meals are included except one during the outing.
Dietary restrictions and allergies will be accommodated.
Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase during the cocktail parties.
The optional lunch at Mohonk Mountain House on Sunday is an additional charge (approx $100 USD).
Questions? Contact support@visionaryvocalist.com
SAMPLE ITINERARY
ACT I
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Settle into the Starlite with welcome mocktails in the Canteen. We begin with a Persona Intention Circle, followed by a chef-prepared dinner and a late-night vinyl session by the fireplace.
ACT II
Friday, March 13th, 2026
Wake up to the crisp, Catskill air and enjoy locally sourced coffee and pastries with your morning journal prompts. We move through gentle yoga and vocal warmups to ground our bodies. The afternoon is dedicated to Masterclasses—exploring archetypes, stagecraft, and the "Joy of Vintage Jazz Vocals." As evening falls, expect a Catskills Cocktail Club and intimate Vocal Jazz Jam Session, where we let the music breathe and begin to shed any rigid structures getting in the way of your onstage freedom.
ACT III
Saturday, March 14th, 2026
Our morning begins with an excursion to a historic place of note, soaking in the echoes of the entertainers who built this empire. We’ll then find clarity with a walk on the Old Rail Trail, the same path that brought vacationers and stars to these mountains for a century. The afternoon culminates at our Secret Location for the Private Showcase, where you will finally unveil your reimagined stage persona mock headliner performance before celebrating at a 1950s Hollywood-style afterparty.
ACT IV
Sunday, March 15th, 2026
A gentle closing integration to bridge the gap between your weekend persona and your everyday life. We’ll share final reflections and farewells at the Starlite before heading out. For those who wish to linger in the magic, we offer an optional Time-Traveling Luncheon at the Mohonk Mountain House, a nearby luxury resort hotel built in the 1870s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Journey into the Golden Age of
Vocal Performance
INCLUDES:
Private King Room with ensuite bath (4 days / 3 nights).
All Gourmet Meals prepared by our private chef.
In-Person Coaching & Masterclasses with Kimberly Hawkey.
Live Piano Accompaniment for rehearsals and performance.
Yoga & Movement Sessions for body-centered performance.
The Secret Showcase experience with stage and sound.
BONUS! 3 Month Membership to Songbook Studio Performer VIP ($400 value), plus half-off “The Joy of Vintage Jazz Vocals” 6-Week Course, starting 2/3/26
Initial Deposit
$825
OR
Pay In Full
$1650
Please use the payment links above if you are an invited attendee or current member of Visionary Vocalist. If you’re new to the Community, email support@visionaryvocalist.com to find out if this experience is right for you! After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email and “Welcome Packet” from Kimberly within 24 hours.
TERMS:
Deposit is required to reserve your spot and is non-refundable. Remaining Balance is Due 2/15/26 and is non-refundable beyond that date. More payment plans available through Affirm and Klarna during checkout or by contacting the host directly. For questions, contact support@visionaryvocalist.com.
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— Susan Berkley, Owner, Greatvoice.com
“Kimberly has changed my musical life. I love how supported and comfortable I feel working with her. When we started, I was struggling mostly with confidence. Now I'm now preparing a set list for live performances and auditioning for masterclasses. It's thrilling for both my personal and spiritual development.”
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— Ruby Bolaria Shifrin, Social Justice Leader & Music Salon Organizer
“Kimberly is an amazing intuitive teacher who makes you feel comfortable and meets you where you're at. She made me feel great and made our sessions fun as well as informative. Whether you're a professional singer or just looking to do something for yourself Kimberly's mentoring will help you improve. Her sessions are a great way to escape and unlock a more creative side.”
MEET YOUR HOSTESS
I’m Kimberly Hawkey, time-traveling jazz singer, vocal coach, and Founder of Visionary Vocalist.
Confession: jazz wasn’t always on my radar.
Musical theater and classical piano filled my childhood, with the comfort of pre-written melodies. But landing in New York City, the energy of jazz was impossible to ignore. The freedom it offered was exhilarating, yet daunting. Where do I even begin? Picking the "right" tunes and"sitting in" with bands felt like a whole new language. I could sight-read a Mozart sonata, but being spontaneous while singing a constantly morphing jazz standard? Talk about terrifying!
But the songs were so rich and magnetic that I couldn’t stay away. So, armed with determination (and some really bad charts!), I dove head first into the American Songbook. Countless nights were spent listening to brilliant musicians and adapting to the freedom and flexibility of improv. Gigs became my training ground. Every shaky performance, every missed note, a lesson learned. But amidst the stumbles, there were moments of pure magic - a scat solo that landed perfectly, a soulful ballad that suspended the whole room. Showbiz bliss!
Building my career wasn't about chasing a spotlight.
It was about the sheer, unadulterated joy of singing jazz.
Sharing the stage with incredible musicians and re-interpreting the most-loved songs of the century is where I truly discovered my voice.
Gold Medal
American Traditions Vocal Competition
2X
Cabaret Showdown Champion
Winner
Johnny Mercer Award
Performer
Royal Caribbean, Birdland, Plaza Hotel, Jazz Festivals, Symphonies
15 Years
Leading jazz ensembles, crafting live shows, singing with world-famous big bands
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Crafting stories in the moment and connecting with audiences through the timeless language of improvisation is a joy that every singer should know!
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Get Inspired By These Former Resort Headliners
CHANNEL YOUR FAVORITES, THEN STEP INTO YOUR OWN VOCAL IDENTITY
Eddie Fisher
Eydie Gormé
Steve Lawrence
Barbra Streisand
Connie Francis
Lena Horne
Bobby Darin
Louis Armstrong
Sarah Vaughn
Mel Torme
Nat King Cole
Ella Fitzgerald
Julie London
Tony Bennett
Judy Garland
Dean Martin
Al Bowlly
Louis Prima
Keely Smith
June Christy
Fanny Brice
Danny Kaye
Cass Elliot
Laura Nyro
Sammy Davis Jr.
Anita O’Day
Dinah Shore
Johnny Hartman
Frank Sinatra
Duke Ellington
Peggy Lee
Rosemary Clooney
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FAQ's
FAQ's
FAQ
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This retreat is for the serious seeker—the amateur singer who honors their craft and the professional artist seeking to reimagine their brand in a supportive, playful container. We are all "leading players" here, regardless of our professional resume or technical experience If you have a deep love for the American Songbook and a desire to elevate your stage presence, you belong here.
Have more questions? Contact support@visionaryvocalist.com -
You can take the Amtrak or Metro-North (Hudson Line) to Poughkeepsie. Where possible, we can help with transportation from the Poughkeepsie station to The Starlite Motel. If you prefer to drive, the motel is approx. 2 hours north of NYC.
Email support@visionaryvocalist.com if you have additional questions.
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The closest airport is Stewart International (SWF) in Newburgh, which is about 45 minutes away. Albany (ALB), Westcester (HPN), and the major NYC airports (JFK/LGA/EWR) are also options. Once you register, I can provide specific recommendations and help coordinate your travel from the airport to the motel.
Email support@visionaryvocalist.com with additional questions. -
Not at all. This retreat is specifically designed to help you discover and develop that identity. We will explore different archetypes and performance styles to help you find an aesthetic and presence that feels like your most "amplified" self. And Kimberly will check in with participants regarding song ideas, and offer suggestions as needed.
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Part of the magic of the weekend is performing in an authentic environment, complete with a sound check. We will be traveling to a nearby, private mid-century location that has been preserved in time. The space is equipped with professional sound and lights, and you will have full artistic control over your performance with our live accompanist.
Email support@visionaryvocalist.com with additional questions -
To secure your place in this intimate residency, a non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. This allows us to commit to our venue, accompanist, and catering chef.
Due to the highly limited nature of this retreat and the advance commitments made to our staff and venue, we are unable to offer refunds after February 15th, 2026.
Transferring Your Spot If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another qualified performer at any time. We ask that you introduce us via email so we can ensure they receive all necessary travel and preparation materials.Retreat Insurance You may wish to purchase third-party travel insurance (such as Allianz or World Nomads) that includes "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage. This protects your investment in the event of unforeseen family emergencies, illness, or travel disruptions.
Cancellation by Host In the unlikely event that the retreat is canceled by the host due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be issued a full refund of all payments made, including your deposit.
Email support@visionaryvocalist.com with any concerns. We’ll be happy to do what we can to help.
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I want to ensure this experience is accessible to the artists who feel called to join us. We can arrange a customized payment schedule for the deposit and balance.
Please email support@visionaryvocalist.com to set up a custom payment plan
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Nourishment is a vital part of the retreat experience. Our private chef specializes in seasonal, homemade meals and is happy to accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or specific allergies. Once you register, you will receive a guest intake form where you can list your requirements, ensuring every meal is both safe and delicious for you.
Still want to know more? Email me at kimberly@visionaryvocalist.com.
Historical photos taken by William P. Gottlieb between 1938-1948 - the "Golden Age of Jazz". Courtesy of the Library of Congress.