Hollyhock Presenters

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Our presenters are curated for their quality, depth, integrity, and alignment with our educational purpose. Since 1982, a distinguished faculty of authors, educators, activists, artists, performers, and practitioners have shared their work at our Cortes Island campus and in Vancouver.

People smiling at Activate 2023 Hollyhock Leadership Institute

Samantha Parton

Samantha Parton is a Vancouver native, best known as a founding member of acclaimed Canadian folk group The Be Good Tanyas. A singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Parton formed the group in the late 1990s with Jolie Holland, Trish Klein, and Frazey Ford. Her songs have appeared in shows such as “The L Word,” “Weeds,” “Nashville,” and “Breaking Bad,” and her song “The Littlest Birds” is beloved as a folk anthem in Canada and beyond. In 2017, Parton reunited with former bandmate Jolie Holland and released Wildflower Blues, an album which wove together influences spanning jazz, folk, blues, and early 1970’s country. Previous songwriting retreats Sam has taught at include Arvon in the UK, and Calgary Folk Festival’s “Songwriting Boot Camp.” She is currently working on a solo album.

Events with Samantha Parton

Harmony Within: A Journey of Songwriting and Reconnection
September 27 - October 2, 2024

Writing can be a powerful tool of self-expression and intimacy with one’s deepest thoughts and feelings. The “Harmony Within” workshop explores songwriting as a medium, a practice, and a journey through which we can reconnect with our creative source, our vulnerability, and our inner wisdom, harnessing the healing power of…