2025 Musicians & Dancers

A-PER-SE A show of song and dance

A-per-se is from Middle English, an adjective or noun that refers to person or thing that is uniquely excellent or outstanding. And that's what you'll discover in this show combining the talents of the Revel Grove Madrigal Singers and The Revel Grove Dance Company. Add in some of our Jammer Clan, and you've got a show that is a-per-se!

Performed daily at 12pm at the Globe Theatre.

The Adventurers

Join The Adventurers for sea shanties and other piratical songs at the Pub Sing each day at 5:45pm at the White Hart.

The Adventurers are Matthew Crawford and Reed Sigmon

Photo by Chris Lang

Ballet Theatre Macbeth-DeNoiseAI-denoiseSmall

Ballet Theatre of Maryland: Macbeth

Ballet Theatre of Maryland will open its season with a special performance of Macbeth on Labor Day weekend.

Choreographed by Roman Mykyta and with a score by Richard Strauss, this one-act interpretation follows the tragic descent of the Macbeths through the medium of classical dance. Three weird sisters and Hecate, their queen, meet Macbeth at a misty crossroads and prophesize his future of king. Their predictions haunt Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, leading the story to its inevitable end. At the Globe 10:30am! www.balletmaryland.org

Photo by John Maloney.

The Bards

The Bards are are a folk rock based in Annapolis Maryland that specializes in original songs inspired by Celtic music and fantasy stories. John Bachkosky and Kevin Strasser grew up in Severna Park, Maryland, where they met and worked together on a few musical projects, including their first band, DeD Walrus, and Severna Park High School's Rock N Roll Revival. In November 2021, The Bards released their self-titled first album, The Bards, which features orchestral elements and strong harmonies in addition to their signature progressive folk rock style. Along with their growing list of original material, The Bards play a wide range of rock covers and Irish folk tunes. Performing: 9/6,7,20,21; 10/18,19 at the pubs.

https://www.thebardsband.com/

The Bard and the Bird

The Bard and the Bird is a two-piece musical outfit playing Irish Country and folk songs. Combining melodic harmonies with a pleasant taste of Southern charm, these two will enter your heart with their energetic and engaging sounds. 9/20,21.

https://thebardandthebird.com/

Bard City

Bard City is a band "FOR BARDS, BY BARDS" singing comical originals about the life and adventures of everyone's favorite bards! Using inspiration from fantasy games the band entertains and enchants their listeners. From monsters, to mayhem, to stacks of gold, there is not a fantasy stone left unturned by these boisterous bards. With a focus on high energy and audience interactive songs, they have wooed crowds across the DMV area. The band consists of
talented musicians rocking guitar, tin whistle, kobza, and accordion. From simple songs about the lives of humble fishermen to songs that change with the roll of a die, Bard City brings the energy like no other band before. 9/6,7 at the Boars Head Tavern and 9/27,28 at Gatehouse Stage & Boars Head Tavern.
https://linktr.ee/bardcityband

Bardwin the Bard

Chris Baldwin performs as Bardwin the Bard. He will be performing solo and also as part of the Revel Grove Music Ensemble. Chris is currently living in Maryland, but is a native of Peachtree City, Georgia with 22 years’ experience performing around the United States and Asia. He has played a multitude of live shows, getting his start in Atlanta Georgia, then playing everywhere from Texas, Maryland, South Dakota, to California, Hawaii, and South Korea.

Bardy Pardy

NEW this season!
Traditional folk music, comedy, and stories told through song - all wrapped in beautiful 3-part harmony! The singing peasants of Bardy Pardy are sure to delight! Performing 8/23- 9/7 at the Gatehouse stage.
www.bardypardy.com

Bayfield Brass

Anthony Valerio, director. Fantastic brass music masterly played. Performing Sundays 9/21 - 10/19. www.bayfieldbrass.com

Benison Bardwell

Benison Bardwell, poet and balladeer, entertains with romantic songs of the Renaissance and creates custom-crafted quatrains for lovers and friends. Performing 9/6,7 & 10/4,5.

https://richfollett.com/en-usd/

Bodhrán Basics with Mara

Come learn about the Traditional Irish Hand Drum, the Bodhrán, with Irish cailín, Mara. Basic introduction on how to play, as well as providing guests with something to practice on for the lesson. For adults and children ages 10+. Once daily at the Cottage Stage from 9/20 - 10/19. Please note: lesson is weather permitting and will be cancelled in case of rain.

Bone & String

Bone & String is a young, Calvert-based band. The band provides audiences with a glimpse into history with traditional music and songs of the sea, interspersed with banter and stories. 9/13, 14 at the pubs!
https://www.boneandstring.com/

Digger Plotts - GraveSinger

NEW!
Join Digger at The King’s Pavilion as he takes time off from funerals to break out his shovel guitar and sing a few humorously dark tunes about Life/Death and all the creepy things in between. Performing every weekend except Labor Day weekend at 11:30am & 4:15pm at the king's pavilion (next to the Grounds for Defense).

https://www.diggerplotts.com/

Chaste Treasure

Truly a "treasure," but questionably "chaste," Chaste Treasure's loose banter is comical while their tight harmonies mean business. From frolicking drinking songs to folk tunes to original parodies, Chaste Treasure has something for every music lover. Rated PG-13.
Performing 8/23 - 9/7 at the Gatehouse Stage and Boar's Head Tavern.
https://www.chastetreasure.com/

Idle Fancies

Sisters Violet (Laurie Simonds) and Viola (Judy Streeb) Belgard, join musical forces as the duo Idle Fancies. They will sing songs both sweet and saucy at Pub Sing. Each festival day at 5:45pm at the White Hart Tavern.

Photo by Keith Heffner.

Sarah Collins Jonathan Vocke and David McKindley-Ward (002)

Sarah Collins, Jonathan Vocke & David McKindley-Ward

Rooted in a steady groove and steeped in tradition, these musicians brings a deep sense of musicality to anything they decide to perform.

Sarah Collins was raised in Massachusetts as a part of the Scottish and Irish fiddle communities. She is a regular host of Irish sessions in DC and Baltimore and recently won an audition for the Strathmore Artist in Residence program, class of 2024.

Jonathan Vocke was raised in Maryland and has been part of the old-time music scene for over 15 years. He is a multi-instrumentalist focused on strings and the voice. In early 2022 he released his solo album Spotted Pony. Later in 2022 he won a Maryland State Arts Council Apprenticeship grant to study voice with award-winning singer Dede Wyland. He plays and sings regularly for community dances and performs with Baltimore-based-band Geraldine in addition to hosting local jams and sessions.

Award winning musician and singer, David McKindley-Ward grew up in the DC area steeped in folk, traditional, and protest music from all over the world. Over the last few years, he has made a name for himself as a touring artist across the US, Ireland and the UK and a regular performer and instructor at festivals including O’Flaherty’s Irish Retreat, Atlanta Irish Fest, Baltimore Tradfest, Celtic Fest Mississippi, the Ashokan Center, The Philadelphia Céilí Group Traditional Irish music and Dance Weekend, and the Augusta Irish Retreat.

Performing at the Boars Head Inn:
8/23,24: Jonathan & Sarah
9/27,28: Jonathan & David
10/4,5: Jonathan & Sarah

https://www.sarahcollinsfiddle.com/

https://davidmckindley-ward.com/

Vince Conaway

Vince Conaway shares the secrets of early music and his own contemporary journey to its source. Weaving storytelling and melodies, Vince and his hammered dulcimer bring history to life. This year performing the full season!

http://www.vinceconaway.com/

The Crimson Pirates

Ahoy there!... The Crimson Pirates will sail to the Maryland Renaissance Festival on 9/13,14 & 10/11,12,18,19! An acoustic folk band specializing in Celtic and sea shanty repertoire, join them as they sing of lost ships, lost love and spilt beer! Featuring Ann Alford, Robin Flanagan, Chris Leidenfrost and Dan O'Driscoll. Visit us www.crimsonpirates.com

The Hooligans

A staple at the Maryland Renaissance Festival over the past two decades, The Hooligans are an Irish band with a heavy emphasis on the "-ish". Known as much for their shenanigans and tomfoolery as they are for their tight harmonies and fast tempos, The Hooligans bring a very nontraditional feel to traditional Irish folk music, creating a show that makes you feel like you're partying with four of your closest friends.

Find them in Revel Grove all weekends except 9/27,28 at the White Hart!

https://hooligansmusic.bandcamp.com/music

Hunt school of irish dance at festival 2023

The Hunt School of Irish Dance

The Hunt School of Irish Dance is family owned and operated and located in Crofton, Maryland. Classes for Tiny Tots to Adults are held throughout the year and new dancers are always welcome.

Dancers compete at local, regional, national and world competitions or just dance for fun! They enjoy performing at many local parades, festivals, and events throughout the year. Come join them!

Performing Sunday, September 21st at 10:30am at the Globe Theatre.

https://huntschool.org

James of Perry Hall, drummer & percussionist

James Gummer James has been part of the “soundtrack” of the festival since 1997. Visit him online at www.jamesgummer.com

Jammer Clan

The Jammer Clan is a collective of talented musicians who play for the Acting Company dances, period plays, stage shows, and Pub Sing. Individually and in small groups they perform their own sets in the pubs and on the stages in the village.

Photo, left to right: Edie MacKay, Ayal Yariv, Vince Conaway, Marie Sullivan, Chris Baldwin, Ellie Cattle, Donna Korn, James Gummer, and Steve Wannall.

View More: http://flutterbylenae.pass.us/wanderingbard

Brandon Kennedy

Brandon Kennedy plays Irish fiddle, acoustic guitar and sings. He has a degree in Songwriting and Production from Berklee College of Music and travels to Ireland yearly to bring back authentic music from throughout the country. He has played many pubs and sessions both in the Emerald Isle and the U.S.
Brandon will perform on 8/30, 31; 9/1, 13,14.

https://www.thewanderingbard.co/

Kristin Rebecca

Kristin's beautiful harp playing is matched by her angelic voice. You can hear her on the pathways of Revel Grove performing music that ranges from dance worthy jigs and reels to haunting ballads www.kristinrebecca.com.

Lady Prudence, the Court Composer

Lady Prudence has been a staple of Faires around the country (and abroad!) since 2011. The Court Composer charms and delights patrons of all ages with Songs for All Occasions, featuring harp, guitar, whistle, and voice. With a musical repertoire ranging from sprightly to solemn, silly, sacred, and sassy, Lady Prudence is an excellent hostess of joy and revelry, and is always ready with a song. Performing: 9/20,21,27,28.

https://ladyprudence.bandcamp.com/

The Langer's Ball

The Langer’s Ball, the two-piece Irish Folk-punk band, has been writing, touring and performing for over a 15 years. Playing their own brand of traditional drinking songs and original material, their sound is harder-hitting and bigger than you’d expect it ever could be. With a thumping beat and a flurry of notes and harmonies, you’ll dash to refill your drink and cheer for more. Performing 9/27 - 10/19 at the White Hart Tavern.

www.thelangersball.com

MadWitch

Haunting, high-energy tunes with lush two-fiddle harmony and a rocking rhythm section, Madwitch draws on Irish, Scottish, Scandinavian, and Eastern European traditions to present a blend of new and old music. Performing at Boars Head Tavern & White Hart Tavern.

MadWitch is Ellie Cattle, James Gummer, Edie MacKay, Donna Smith.

The Maple Academy of Irish Dance

The Maple O'Callaghan Academy of Irish Dance is proud to be represented once again this year at the Maryland Renaissance Festival! Under the direction of Bill Maple and Marnie O'Callaghan-Maple, dancers from the school have appeared both nationally and internationally, thrilling audiences wherever they perform. Dancers from the Maple School have performed at the White House for Presidents Bush and Obama, the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian, Wolf Trap and various cultural festivals throughout the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Many of our dancers have gone on to perform in shows such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, Celtic Fyre at Busch Gardens and Raglan Road in Downtown Disney. We've had our alumni dancers perform on Broadway and even in the Olympics !! That's right – multiple Olympic medal winning swimmer Katie Ledecky is a former Maple Academy dancer!! Come out and enjoy the fun as our dancers take the stage on Saturday, September 20th at 10:30am at the Globe Theatre.

www.mapleirishdance.com

Mistral the Minstrel

Ayal Yariv, also known as Mistral the Minstrel, is an ideological multi-instrumentalist. Playing recorders and piano was his first jump into so many other music worlds and styles. At the festival, both in the lanes and on stage, you will find Ayal playing a variety of recorders and crumhorns, as well as the penny whistle, portative organ, pipe and tabor, and guitar. If you ask him nicely, he might even sing and dance.

See him in his new show: Mistral the Minstrel: A Royal Performance. Court musician Mistral is to perform for the King at the Harvest banquet this evening. But which instrument and tune shall he choose? He needs your help to decide between diverse, and sometimes unusual, instruments. At the Cottage stage daily at 1pm.

Daisy O'Danny - swipe right?

We only hurt the ones we love, and Daisy O'Danny REALLY LOVES a lot of popular renaissance festival songs.

Join her once a day to sing along and explore where the line of clever euphemism meets desperate pleas for validation.
Make sure to find her on Facebook and Instagram if you want to learn lyrics and harmonies ahead of attending.
https://www.facebook.com/daisy.odanny

The louder you sing, the better she sounds! It's a date with Daisy daily at the Gatehouse Stage at 5:30pm!

Rated PG-13. Parents, this not suitable for kids & tweens who understand euphemism, innuendo, and dating desperation. Unless you enjoy an uncomfortable ride home.

A Quickie with Daisy O'Danny

NEW show!

Enjoy the comedy and musical stylings of Daisy O'Danny...but not for long!

There seemed to be a 15 minute blank space in the schedule between MadWitch and The Hooligans at The White Hart Tavern at 4:45pm. What to do, what to do. Any self-respecting artist would be insulted to be offered such a short time slot. Who would do this...who would...why Daisy O'Danny would! PERFECT! Just when you think, "I'm not sure how long I can keep this up." the show will be OVER! You'll be in and out before you know it. Rated PG-13 because...it's Daisy.

https://odannygirls.com/

Painted Trillium

Kristin Rebecca - voice, harp, guitar; Susan Meyer - hammered dulcimer, Irish whistle; Rob Meyer - octave mandolin, guitar, bodhran. Painted Trillium performs traditional Celtic songs and tunes plus a few surprises. Find them on the pathways of Revel Grove. www.paintedtrillium.com.

Piper Jones

Piper Jones (EJ Jones), is an award-winning piper and teacher at piping workshops across the USA. Piper Jones plays the best tunes of the past 700 years on both Highland and Renaissance bagpipes, with friends on percussion and bouzouki, creating a beautifully tuneful, danceable show. At the Market Stage and the quickly-becoming-legendary end of day set at 6:15pm at Boars Head Tavern.
www.piperjones.com

Poehemia

Poehemia has been shaped by the hard rocking traditions of Baltimore and the thriving music scene in Glasgow. Since 2012 Poehemia has performed hundreds of high-energy electric and acoustic shows throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. At the Festival Poehemia will perform their traditional Celtic repertoire. Performing 8/23,24, 30,31; 9/1,21,22,27,28 at the White Hart & 10/11,12 at Boar's Head Taverns.

http://www.poehemia.com/

Pub Sing

Join host Nell Quickly (Stephanie Ichniowski), Sir Richard Mondes (Cory Jones) along with the other talented singers and musicians in Revel Grove for an old fashioned Pub Sing! The audience is encouraged to sing along! 5:45pm at White Hart Tavern. Rated PG

Photo by Keith Heffner

revel grove dancers edit by keith heffner

Revel Grove Dance Company

Randy Snight, director and choreographer

The Revel Grove Dance Company was founded in 2024. These talented performers can be found throughout the village dancing in the pathways and on the stages.

This year the dance company joins forces with the Revel Grove madrigals for a show filled with song & dance. Called A-Per-Se, it is performed once daily at 12pm at the Globe Theatre.

Join the dancers in the pathway by the Maypole (near Guest Services) as they perform with the villagers & courtiers in a Welcome Dance at 10:15am. Then stay as the dancers continue with their own special dance set. Starting on September 27th they will add a 4:30pm dance set in that location. Please note: pathway performances are weather permitting!

The dancers invite everyone to participate in their own version of a danse macabre, meeting at the Cottage Stage at 5:15pm. Everyone will dance and sing as they wander down Mary's Dale Way to the Royal Pavilion.

And the Dance Company has their own scene contribution to the STREETspeare program - see The Tempest, Act IV, sc i, performed daily at 4:45pm at the Lyric Stage.

Photo by Keith Heffner.

Reveler's Roulette

NEW SHOW!

Join Ginger O'Danny and Robyn Sparks as they host a musical show where no two performances will be the same! Each weekend different musical performers from the Festival will stop by to share a song. Come on over to the Boar's Head Pub at 1pm for a set of great tunes and lots of fun.

Photo by Walt League.

The Rogues

Founded in Houston in 1994, The Rogues created a new genre of Celtic music with exceptionally well-played pipes and driving percussion and have become award-winning international artists. From Scottish Highland games to performing with a symphony orchestra, The Rogues deliver a commanding performance. Don't miss them on Celtic Celebration weekend, 9/20, 21 at the Market Stage.

https://www.facebook.com/therogues.us

The Rowdy Bardlings

NEW!

Celtic Rock & Traditional, Folk Music and Songs of the Sea from life-long interactive theater pros who are at home at any event, and entertaining on any stage. The Rowdy Bardlings have replaced the Celtic fiddle with the Swedish one - the Nyckelharpa, which gives the, a more "historic" sound.

Catch them on Pirate weekend, September 13th & 14th at Boar's Head and White Hart Tavern.

https://linktr.ee/RowdyBardlings

Sage O'Silver - Pirate Fiddler

Sage O'Silver (Sage Snider) is a singer-songwriter, fiddler, flatfooter, and playwright. She’s pirated with Nashville’s Tom Mason & the Blue Buccaneers, the Crossjacks, and as a soloist at libraries and pirate, Renaissance, Tall Ships, and music festivals across the U.S. Beyond pirating, Sage’s music and history work have been featured by the Smithsonian, The Yale University Art Gallery, the Rhode Island State Council for the Arts, Smugglers’ Notch Resort, and the Brown University Folk Festival (where she won the 2014 Battle of the Bands as a soloist). Sage also served as Director of Cultural Engagement for the nonprofit Braver Angels and continues to advise its music team. Her Braver Angels performances include creating and touring an original solo show, leading in an original theatrical production about the Battle of Gettysburg, and performing with Peter Yarrow and Gangstagrass.

Special Guest on Pirate weekend, 9/13,14

http://www.sagesnider.com/

sämäs

NEW!

With their blend of pop vocals, folk instrumentation, and cinematic underscoring, sämäs heralds in a new musical experience designed to uplift and transform souls of all ages. Their all-original music is inspired by fantasy, myth, the cosmos, and the wonders of nature, and it features tight vocal harmonies and driving rhythms created by big drums and percussive tap dancing. Performing the month of October.

https://www.soundofsamas.com/

Seraphim

Seraphim delights Washington area audiences with warmly blended harmonies, a variety of repertoires, authentic dances, and audience involvement. Their shows instruct audiences about the historical periods in which their music is set, in the context of a group of ladies gossiping about their lives and loves. In addition to their Renaissance music, Seraphim performs outside of the festival with programs of music from various time periods and also holiday songs.
October 4th & 5th.

http://seraphimquartet.org/

Shank Painters

NEW!
Special guests for Pirate weekend, September 13th & 14th.

The Shank Painters are a pirate-themed folk music band based in Portland, Maine. The band's repertoire consists of Shanties - a variety of mostly nautical classic folk songs with catchy sing-along refrains, beloved by children and rowdy drunks alike. These works are treasures of history, preserving the travails and spirit from centuries of seafaring culture.

Formed in the Summer of 2016 between high school friends, Shank Painters began as humble street performers, and have since performed at festivals, parties, venues, and bars all over the Northeast. Bringing together voices, accordion, fiddle, banjo, guitar, and percussion, the Shank Painters bring the past alive with their mixture of playful, rollicking, heartbreaking, and hilarious songs.

https://shankpainters.com/

Sherwood Forest Singers

NEW!
The Sherwood Forest Singers is a small ensemble choir of members of The Sherwood Community Chamber Choir. The Choir is an auditioned volunteer chorus whose goal is to enrich the community and its members through choral singing and concerts. They are based in the Olney/Sandy Spring area of Montgomery County, MD. Performing 9/6,7.

https://www.sherwoodcommunitychamberchoir.org/

Ship Shape

Ship Shape is a music and comedy group newly ashore and looking to entertain any landlubber looking for a laugh! They specialize in sea shanties, tight harmonies, and nautical (sometimes naughty!) humor. Join them for a shipload of fun! 10/11 - 10/19 at Lyric Stage.
Photo by Evan Hoffman.
https://linktr.ee/shipshapepirates?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=af34e06a-ae36-46fc-8294-ca371ecfcd04

Stories in Song with Sir Richard

Come along on a musical journey led by Revel Grove’s own Sir Richard Mondes (Cory Jones). This cozy set invites you on an adventure through the melodies of Ireland, Scotland, and the Old World, with occasional detours to places yet-to-be discovered. Sing along with traditional ballads, time-honored favorites, and a curated selection of Sir Richard's personal picks. It's an opportunity to sing, share, and experience the richness of the stories found in each and every song. Once daily at Cottage Stage.

Thomas Tallis, virginals and pipe organist

Gary Schwartz aka Thomas Tallis performs on the pipe organ at 10am & 6:15pm daily at the Lyric Stage. Also discover him throughout the pathways of Revel Grove on his virginal. Check the daily schedule for times and places. Also performs for weddings at the chapel!

www.musicbythemaster.com

Vielles à Deux

NEW!
The name Vielles à Deux is a playful nod to the French term for the hurdy-gurdy, vielle à roue. Duo members Ralph Dubayah and Heather Worsley blend old and new with exciting modern arrangements of medieval, renaissance, and folk music. They showcase the captivating sounds of the hurdy-gurdy in a way that is both engaging and accessible. Find them in the pathways on 9/27,28; 10/11,12,18, 19.

https://viellesadeux.wixsite.com/home

Viola Brambles - fiddler

Donna Elanor as Viola Brambles, fiddler
Photo by Lenny Francioni

Multi-instrumentalist, composer, and singer-songwriter Donna Elanor has been performing in bands, small ensembles, theatrical productions, and as a soloist in the Baltimore-Washington area since 2008.

Winner of the 2022 Deer Creek Fiddlers' Convention Vocal Competition, she has performed at Renaissance, Celtic, and Folk festivals throughout Maryland and Virginia, including the Washington Folk Festival and the Maryland Renaissance Festival.

A folk violinist and singer trained in Classical, Irish, and Scottish styles, she also plays bouzouki, mandolin, ukulele, guitar, and viola. As Viola Brambles, Donna draws from her traditional and original repertoire to present enchanting, danceable tunes to keep you spellbound.

https://donnaelanor.com/

The Weyward Sisters

Join the Weyward Sisters, Lilith, Constance, and Morta, for songs spirited, beautiful, bold, and otherworldly. Performing daily at Pub Sing at White Hart Tavern at 5:45pm

Lilith (Anabel Milton), Constance (Kaitlyn Fowler), Morta (Lilly Burchfield)