2026 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 the Globe Theatre.

Three costumed singers performing on outdoor stage

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, Reed Sigmon and John Wakefield

Photo by Keith Heffner

Five musicians posing with Scottish flag backdrop

Albannach

Albannach is Scots-Gaelic for “Scottish” or “Scotsman”. That’s exactly what they are. Albannach is comprised of two Scotsmen and one Scottish lass, all born and bred in Scotland! Plus, one American born Scot and an Irishman. Their main purpose in life is to share their intriguing culture, history, and heritage with you by means of their music.

Albannach is not just another Scottish ‘Pipes & Drums’ band. Their primal drumming and precise piping stir the soul of anyone who hears them. With a champion piper, the unique sounds and talents of a didgeridoo player, and the tribal style bass drumming – their music isn’t for the faint of heart! It’s aggressive, like a Celtic punch to the face!

Special guests for Celtic Celebration, September 26^th & 27^th.

https://www.albannachmusic.com/

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.

Two musicians posing with violin and dulcimer

Baltic Celtic

Baltic Celtic is a new project put together with violinist Kaitlyn Likas. Kaitlyn and John Bimberas explore their shared Irish and Lithuanian heritage through this musical collaboration.

Kaitlyn Likas is an award-winning fiddler and Irish/Scottish Highland dancer based in the Washington, DC area. As a first-generation Irish American, Kaitlyn makes a point to be active in her local Irish community in Virginia, DC, and Maryland and fully embraces her Irish heritage. In high school, Kaitlyn and her sister Jessica created the Irish sister music and dance group, “The Wild Irish Roses.” Kaitlyn and her sister won “First Place Performing Arts” in the 2017 Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day parade. Kaitlyn is a self-taught fiddler with humble beginnings as a classically trained violinist. After playing classical for over 10 years, Kaitlyn took on the new challenge of teaching herself the fiddle. Since then, she has not looked back! Kaitlyn is the only female fiddler to perform in the Baltimore-based Irish punk band, The Charm City Saints. The Charm City Saints contributed music to various Irish films and documentaries. Kaitlyn has also recently performed with Black 47, O’Malley’s March, Celtica, The Fighting Jameson’s, Capital Celtic, The Devil’s Tailors, The Thistle & The Rose, Baltic Celtic, The Gobshites, and Poehemia.

John Bimbiras is a guitarist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist from Baltimore, MD. He has been active as a performer since the age of twelve, playing at prestigious venues throughout the DMV, NYC, and Austin, TX. His influences draw from a vast array of genres and styles including rock, jazz, blues, folk, Celtic, and Latin music. Currently, Bimbiras is also a Ph.D. candidate in ethnomusicology at the University of Texas at Austin.

Performing Celtic weekend, September 26^th & 27^th.

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: 9/12,13, 26,27; 10/24,25 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. 9/26,27.

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. Performing 9/12,13; 10/10,11.
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

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 8/29 - 9/7 at the Gatehouse stage and Boars Head Tavern.
www.bardypardy.com

Bayfield Brass

Anthony Valerio, director. Fantastic brass music masterly played. Performing Sundays 9/20 - 10/25. 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 9/12,13 & 10/10,11.

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 9/26 - 10/25. Please note: lesson is weather permitting and will be cancelled in case of rain.

Colorful belly dancer twirling with sword, musicians

Boom Boom Shake

High energy, immersive, and fun, Boom Boom Shake delivers a spectacular show like no other. With middle eastern roots and a modern vibe, Boom Boom Shake (BBS) brings together a unique show that is dynamic and entertaining. World percussion beats, guitar and violin melodies, and belly dancers weave together an experience that is great for the whole family! Bring your dancing shoes, because you won’t be able to resist the groove!

Performing 9/5 - 9/20 at Blackfriars Theatre.

https://boomboomshake.com/

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. 8/29,30 & 9/19,20 at the pubs!
https://www.boneandstring.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 9/12 - 9/27 at the Gatehouse Stage and Boar's Head Tavern.
https://www.chastetreasure.com/

Two musicians facing each other, playing violin

Sarah Collins & Jonathan Vocke

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.

Performing August 29th & 30th and October 17th & 18th

https://www.sarahcollinsfiddle.com/

Photo by Rick Barnwell.

The Crimson Pirates

Ahoy there!... The Crimson Pirates will sail to the Maryland Renaissance Festival as special guests for Pirate weekend, September 19th & 20th! 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

Smiling woman in feathered hat holding rubber chicken

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

Smiling person in medieval costume playing lute

Digger Plotz, gravesinger

Join Digger 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. Time & location TBA.

https://www.diggerplotts.com/

Costumed musicians performing energetically on outdoor stage

Fortress Dwellers

NEW this season!
Fortress Dwellers are a unique family band known for high energy performances that bring people from all walks of life together under the banner of music and dance. Their shows consist of hearty jigs, lively shanties, Celtic style tunes, and moving stories from far away realms. With sounds that include bagpipes, tin-whistle, multiple percussions and interactive dancing, they provide an unforgettable experience for all

Performing 9/5 - 9/ 13

https://www.fortressdwellers.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@FortressDwellers

Hammered

NEW this season!

Hammered (Darcy Nair and Hannah Gross)

Two hammered dulcimers. Two award-winning musicians. One focus: An exciting new sound for a thousand-year-old instrument.

Darcy and Hannah are Hammered; a duo that combines creative arrangements and innovative playing techniques with ancient instruments and soaring vocals for a sound that’s uniquely unforgettable.

Performed in the pathways and intimate stages on: September 5th, 26; October 10th & 24th.

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 9/19,20 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 27th at 10:30am at the Globe Theatre.

https://huntschool.org

Two women in purple Renaissance dresses smiling

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.

Iris the Shrike

New to the festival!

Iris has spent far too long as a shrike, after a spell gone awry. Join your local bird-brained witch as she rediscovers what it means to be “human” again through the magic of comedy, music, and a well-told tale.

Jules Schrader is a musician and actor who has performed at various Renaissance Festivals across the country. Performing 10/3 - 10/25.

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

Costumed Renaissance musicians playing violin and guitar

Jammer's Cèilidh

New this season!
Jammer's Cèilidh! Join the Jammer Clan and the Revel Grove Dance Company for a rollicking, interactive show of song and dance. The audience can clap, sing, and dance with the performers as everyone enjoys a high-spirited cèilidh. At the Gatehouse Stage.

What's a cèilidh? (pronounced KAY-lee) It is a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering featuring music and dance.

Photo by Bobby Smith.

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 9/5,6,7,19,20.

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.

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 the month of October at the White Hart Tavern.

www.thelangersball.com

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 26th 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.

People dancing around maypole at Renaissance fair

Morning Dance & Musical Merrymaking!

Start your day in a festive way! Join the Revel Grove Dancers and the Jammer Clan for music and dance at the Maypole. This is interactive and there will be opportunities for patrons to join in the dance. Beginning at 10:15am at the Maypole near Guest Services.

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.

Four musicians holding instruments on street

Pilgrims of Deep Run

The Pilgrims of Deep Run are a Baltimore-based Irish band that bring both pub songs and traditional dance music to the stage. Inspired by legends like The Irish Rovers, The New Barleycorn, and The Dubliners, their shows capture the joy, humor, and camaraderie of a true session. With members trading off on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, bodhran, bouzouki, Irish whistle, and voice. The Pilgrims deliver vibrant, high-energy arrangements that celebrate the richness of Irish heritage music for you to laugh, dance, sing, and drink to.
Peter Krutschnitt, Basil Mironenko, Diego Retana, Todd Shelar.

Performing in the pubs on 8/29,30 & 10/17,18

Link: https://www.thepilgrimsofdeeprun.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 9/5,6,7, 26,27 & 10/24,25 at the White Hart .

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

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 musical groups 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. See Daisy at the pub, or be warned, for the month of October.

https://odannygirls.com/

Two Renaissance musicians, woman playing guitar

The Rambling Sailors

The Rambling Sailors are Gregg and Susan Csikos. Both successful soloists, Gregg and Susan performed for over a decade individually. Now with a combined experience of 25 years on the circuit, a repertoire of hundreds of songs, and harmonies that please the ear and lift the spirit, they perform at Renaissance festivals across the country. We are pleased they are back in Revel Grove to help celebrate our 50^th season. Performing 9/12 – 9/20.

Link: https://ramblingsailorsmusic.com/

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 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.

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, TBA.

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 for a set of great tunes and lots of fun.

Photo by Walt League.

Four musicians in historical costumes outdoors

The Right Wells

NEW SHOW!

The Right Wells are a traditional folk band, blending the sounds of mandolin, banjo, guitar, upright bass, and bodhran in addition to the vocal talents of each member. The Right Wells' repertoire of classic renaissance music spans several centuries and countries of origin, including English, Celtic, and German songs. The Right Wells are comprised of Jackson Gillie, R Fenstermacher, Spencer Thomson, and Jared Taylor, who met as Renaissance Festival performers.
Performing August 29th & 30th.

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, 9/26,27 at the Market Stage.

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

Woman playing white acoustic guitar against brick wall

Róisín

Description: New to the Festival! Róisín is a singer-songwriter from Baltimore who writes original songs which can be described as ethereal musical poetry. She has performed at venues in the Mid-Atlantic region including the Ellicott City Music Festival, the Maryland Irish Festival, Fantasywood Festival, and the Delaware Renaissance Faire. Róisín will perform in Revel Grove on September 12^th & 13^th.

https://www.instagram.com/roisin_music/

The Pyrates Royale

Special Guests for Pirate weekend - it's the Pyrates Royale.

The Pyrates Royale sail back to Revel Grove and their ole stomping grounds to help MDRF celebrate our 50th season.

They specialize in performing nautical and folk songs with an original and comic flair. Many of their songs are sea chanties, but they also perform other traditional drinking songs and ballads. The band plays at chanty festivals, folk festivals, renaissance festivals, pubs and taverns all up and down the US East Coast.

Performing September 19th & 20th.

https://pyratesroyale.com/

SYR

NEW!

SYR (pronounced “sire”) draws inspiration from Celtic history, stories, myths, and poems. SYR crafts powerful songs with ancient themes that still resonate today. Blending traditional folk sounds with a harder musical edge, the band celebrates the rich heritage of the Celtic world in their own unique style.

SYR’s reputation for a high-energy performance has made them a welcome addition to Festivals and events across the US and internationally.

Special Guest on Celtic Weekend, September 26th & 27th

https://syrmusic.com

sämäs

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.
September 26,27.

http://seraphimquartet.org/

Shank Painters

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.

Performing 10/3,4,10,11.

https://shankpainters.com/

sheshes

The sheshes are: Deborah Randall, Amy Rhodes. Music director: Alan Scott.

In Irish folklore, the Sidhe (pronounced "shee") were supernatural fairy folk. The Venus Theatre sheshes embrace their heritage and celebrate its magical legacy.

In 1999 Deborah Randall founded the Venus Theatre Company .The inaugural production of Venus Theatre Company was a play by Deb called Daughters of Molly Maguire. Daughters of Molly Maguire was a three-act play with music. Alan Scott composed three hours of original music for the play, and promotions began in 1999 with a three-piece all-female band playing songs from the world premiere play as well as some Irish standards in pubs throughout the DMV. Venus Theatre Company went on to become the longest-running regional women's theatre in the US. Venus read hundreds of new scripts publicly and produced 70 full productions. Venus Theatre has created more than 800 stipend-paid artistic roles in its quarter-century existence.

The sheshes emerged with many of the same songs decades later. Once Covid hit and Venus Theatre lost its storefront, Amy and Deb began to meet in the home studio of Venus once a week to continue to play and strum. Alan continues to direct the sheshes musically and compose for Deb’s new song lyric ideas. Venus Theatre published two books, venUS and Frozen Women/Flowing Thoughts. Venus Theatre Company hopes to do 25 book signings with the sheshes playing along to celebrate 25 years of Venus Theatre Company.

Feedback has been strong for the sheshes at these book signing events. Currently, the sheshes have two sets ready to play. The Ta-Da! set is family-friendly. It’s a light-hearted, fun sing-along experience. The other set is called the Bites Back! set. This is a plugged-in rocking half hour of music for adults who need a reason to scream together. One or both sets are available for booking, and Venus will have both books available for purchase at every sheshe event. Performing as a special guest on Myth & Magic weekend, September 12^th & 13^th.

Links:
https://www.venustheatre.org/

Alan Scott: https://alanscottband.com

Sherwood Forest Singers

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 9/19,20,26,27.

https://www.sherwoodcommunitychamberchoir.org/

Ship Shape

Shiver me timbers, it’s Ship Shape! Join us for a music and comedy show complete with side-splitting piratical jests and harmonies so tight that they’ll make any landlubber a she shanties fanatic! Let this cook, swabber, and surgeon entertain you while they try to find their land legs – which might have gone down with the ship – and let the mayhem commence! Join Frankie, Swiss, and Mack for a shipload of fun!

Performing 10/17 - 10/25
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 9/19,20 & the month of October.

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.

Performing September 19th & 20th.

https://donnaelanor.com/

Renaissance musician playing hammered dulcimer

Vince Conaway

Musician and composer Vince Conaway performs historical and original music on hammered dulcimer. You can find Vince in the pathways and the stages of Revel Grove. He is always happy to engage with patrons and answer questions on music and the hammered dulcimer.

http://www.vinceconaway.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.

And don't miss The Weywards' set at Reveler's Bower in October!

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