Musicians & Dancers

The Adventurers

Join The Adventurers for sea shanties and other piratical songs at the Pub Sing each day at 6pm at the White Hart.

The Adventurers are Matthew Crawford, Alexander Kafarakis, Reed Sigmon.

Photo by Chris Lang

Avon Faire

Avon Faire is New York City’s fun, female vocal harmony group, reimagining traditional Celtic folk songs, medieval story ballads, rousing pub tunes, romantic classics and sea shanties from Ireland and the British Isles! Featuring Kath Green and Andriette Redmann, along with singer/recorderist Anna Marie Spallina, dancer/harpist Dawn Daniels and percussionist John Rokosny. Performing 10/7 & 10/8 only!
https://www.avonfaire.com/

Ballet Theatre of Maryland

Ballet Theatre of Maryland will open its season with at a special performance of The Little Slippers on Labor Day weekend at the Globe 10:30am! www.balletmaryland.org

In Russian and Ukrainian literature, Nikolai Gogol holds an equivalent place as Edgar Allen Poe, specializing in the romantic gothic horror genre; however, unlike Poe, the macabre elements are undercut by elements of humor. Gogol’s writing served as the subject for a variety of musical compositions; in this ballet, we are using Tchaikovsky’s music to present a one act version of “Черевички” or The Little Slippers. Vakula, the blacksmith, loves the prettiest girl in the village, Oksana, but she demands better quality shoes if their courtship should go any further. Vakula falls into despair and stumbles upon a witches’ sabbath happening in the forest. He tussles with the devil (in the form of a large black cat) and ends up landing in St. Petersburg. While in St. Petersburg, Vakula asks Catherine the Great for a pair of slippers and the bemused Tsarina fulfills his request. Vakula goes back to Oksana who greets him with an open heart; she wants him, not the slippers.

The Bards

The Bards are are a three piece 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. The two then met Greg Mazur during their time at the University of Maryland. After graduating, The Bards were born. In November 2021, The Bards released their self-titled first album, The Bards, which features orchestral elements and strong three-part 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.

https://www.thebardsband.com/

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 9/2,3,4,9 & 10.
www.bardypardy.com

Bayfield Brass

Anthony Valerio, director. Fantastic brass music masterly played. Performing Sundays 9/18- 10/23. www.bayfieldbrass.com

Ally the Piper

NEW this season! Ally the Piper is a world renowned musician, best known for her work on the Great Highland Bagpipe. She is particularly known for her ability to take the centuries-old instrument and make it relevant and appealing to a modern audience via her social media platforms, where she has amassed over two million fans across the globe. See her for 2 weekend only - October 14 & 15, 21 & 22 at the Lyric Stage.

Bard City

NEW this season! 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. Special Guests for Myth & Magic weekend, September 23 & 24. At the Boars Head Tavern.
https://linktr.ee/bardcityband

The Brocades

Join the Brocades (Judy Streeb, Erin Branigan, and Emily Karol) each day at Pub Sing at the White Hart Tavern at 6pm. This trio specializes in Celtic up tempo songs and beautiful ballads. Photo by Keith Heffner.

Bromo's Bastards

Members of Night Watch Paradox have traded in their cogs and gears for pirate wares! As Bromo's Bastards members of the band will perform songs piratical as special guests on our Pirate weekend - September 16 & 17 at the pubs!

https://www.nightwatchparadox.com/home

Camerata Musica

An energetic acapella madrigal troupe performing in a myriad of languages and styles. 9/23,25; 10/14,15.
Beth Hopper, director.

Chaste Treasure

Truly a treasure, but questionably chaste, Chaste Treasure is sure to delight you with their witty improv and tight harmonies. With the shenanigans from this trio of upper class ladies, no two shows are ever the same. (PG-13) At the Boar’s Head Tavern 9/30 - 10/22.
Facebook.com/ChasteTreasure
YouTube.com/ChasteTreasure

Damh and Dove

NEW SHOW! Damh and Dove. Where the past and present collide with an interactive show for all ages!

Mixing the power of the bagpipes with the heart pounding beat of the drums, this family friendly experience of music will take you on a journey to the fields of Athenry. With 31 years of mastering the art of the hardest instrument in the world, Mike McNutt breathes life into everything from traditional to original music.

Mike’s endless talent has been seen and known for the past 14 years from the early days of Tartanic to curating an original style of Viking Warrior Pipes during his 10 years as co-owner/producer/music engineer of the original Cu Dubh.

With a combined background of music and dance for the past 19 years, Ashley is multi-faceted when it comes to displaying a great array of skills. Coming from a long line of cultural history where drums are a prominent form of expression, the rhythm of the drums is in her blood. This musical display is truly the reflection of a passion and love of the oldest art forms in the world.
Performing 8/26,27 only. At the Gatehouse Stage.
https://www.damhanddovecreations.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/

Consort Anon

Talia Chicherio, Mary Anne Espenshade, Rachel Isaacson, Eric Schwartz, Cynthia Sutton, Don Sutton, Helen-Jean Talbott. In playing music from the royal courts, towns, and taverns of England and Europe, Consort Anon hopes to provide a Renaissance and medieval musical experience for visitors which would have been familiar to Henry VIII and his courtiers. Members of Consort Anon play recorders, hurdy-gurdy, percussion, guitar, and we just may break into song.
When outside of Revel Grove, Consort Anon works with schools, churches, and art organizations in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. In addition to the Early Music compositions that we perform at the Festival, our repertoire includes Early American music and even a few 21st century pieces. Performing 9/16,17,30; 10/1.

To contact us, please send an email to osbert16@yahoo.com

The Crimson Pirates

Ahoy there!... The Crimson Pirates are thrilled to make their annual sail to the Maryland Renaissance Festival on 10/21 & 22! 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 Crossjacks

The Crossjacks perform the traditional folk music carried by sailors of yore from the Old World to the New, along with contemporary songs of Old World lineage. They are popular performers at pirate, Renaissance, Celtic, Viking and other festivals. Their self-titled debut album was released in July of 2020. Hailing from various ports of call in East Tennessee, The Crossjacks are Mark Dudek (vocals/guitar), Dawn Cunningham (violin) and Reagan De Busk (flute/mandola/percussion). Performing 8/26,27; 9/9,10,30; 10/1.

www.crossjacks.com

Erika the Harpist

NEW THIS SEASON! Erika has worked as a musician and composer for over twenty years. Her experience as a solo harpist, a member of various ensembles and folk bands, and her graduate studies in Film Scoring and Music Technology at New York University give her a diverse and rich musical background. Erika has worked as a music director for various theatre companies and festivals in NY and NJ, and is a seasoned renaissance faire and folk festival performer. She also performs at weddings and private events. Erika can play a variety of musical styles, but specializes in Celtic folk music, renaissance and early music, and film and video game scores. Erika's original compositions pull from all those styles, along with her own unique touch that has been described as "otherworldly." Performing 9/2,3,4 only! https://www.erikatheharpist.com/

Bob and Sue Esty - Harp and Voice

Bob Esty - harp, voice, pennywhistle. Sue Esty- harp, voice, bowed psaltry, drum. Bob and Sue perform Renaissance, Celtic, and folk music on harp, bowed psaltery, drum, voice, and whatever other instrument comes close to hand! Performing 10/7,8

The Freestylers of Piping

Inspired by the progressive rock bands and jazz musicians of the 60s and 70s. The Freestylers of Piping aim to create music that reflects these influences with the use of The Great Highland Bagpipe, Percussion, and Bass. Consisting of long time Renaissance faire performers David Duncan and Michael Huebner along with Armando Wood, The Freestylers of Piping are extremely excited to be able to add to the broad musical palette that is Revel Grove. Performing 9/30 - 10/22.

http://www.thefreestylersofpiping.com/

Seán Heely

The Seán Heely Celtic Band brings together many different instruments to perform fiery dance tunes and ancient, soaring melodies from Scotland, Ireland, and beyond. Original compositions abound and they have rich vocal harmonies in their solid song repertoire that features ballads, sea shanties, and songs in Irish and Scottish folk tradition. Featuring U.S National Scottish Fiddle champion and singer Seán Heely. Performing 9/9,10, 23 &24.

https://www.seanheely.com/

The Hooligans

The band your mama warned you! The Hooligans specialize in Celtic music both rousing and beautiful. Find them in Revel Grove all season - at the White Hart and Boar's Head Tavern! http://hooligansmusic.bandcamp.com/

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

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

NEW this season!
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. 10/15 - 10/23.

www.thelangersball.com

Larksong

Larksong, a band of seven singers specializing in a cappella (unaccompanied) music, was created in 1994. Larksong performs madrigals of the 15-16th Centuries and music from other periods for special occasions, holidays and other major events. They will be performing 9/23,25; 10/21,22
https://www.larksongsings.com/

MadWitch

Join MadWitch for a bewitching set of fabulous tunes guaranteed to get your feet tapping and your body moving. MadWitch is Ellie Cattle, James Gummer, Donna Korn, and Edie MacKay. 3:45pm at the White Hart Tavern all weekends except 9/10,11.

The Rambling Sailors

The Rambling Sailors return to landlocked Revel Grove! Both successful soloists in their own right, Gregg Csikos and Susan Hickey performed for over a decade individually before meeting and forming Rambling Sailors. This duo will please the ear and lift your spirits with their wonderful harmonies and repertoire of hundreds of songs! Performing 9/16,17,23,24 at the pubs.

Bone & String

NEW THIS SEASON! 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. 9/2,3,4 at the pubs!
https://www.boneandstring.com/

The Pilgrims of Deep Run

NEW THIS SEASON!
The Pilgrims of Deep Run are a Baltimore-based Irish Trad group. Covering dance tunes and pub songs, the Pilgrims give the audience a wide variety of styles within the tradition. With members switching between violin, mandolin, guitar, banjo, bodhrán, bouzouki, viola, octave mandolin, and tin whistle, each tune has its own unique character. Performing 9/2,3,4,9,10 & 10/14,15 at the White Hart & Boars Head Tavern.

The O'Danny Girls

They are back! Join Daisy, Ginger and Earl at the Globe for a musical intervention at 11:30am on the Globe.
Rated PG.

https://www.facebook.com/odannygirls

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!

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

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.

Pipe Organist

Gary Schwartz Renaissance organ music played at 10am & 6:15pm daily at the Lyric Stage. www.musicbythemaster.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.
At the White Hart 9/10,11 & 10/8,9.

http://www.poehemia.com/

Pub Sing

Join host Nell Quickly (Stephanie Ichniowski), Mayor Richard Mondes (Cory Jones) and Master of Revels Jack Ripley (Randy Snight) along with the other talented singers and musicians in Revel Grove for an old fashioned Pub Sing! The audience is encouraged to sing along! 6pm at White Hart Tavern.

Renaissance Revelers

The Renaissance Revelers madrigal ensemble performs medieval and renaissance music in the greater Washington DC metro area. The ensemble has performed at the Maryland Renaissance Festival annually since 1987. Performing 9/10,11.

https://therenaissancerevelers.bandcamp.com/music

Wine and Alchemy

Wine and Alchemy is an unique world music project and band, performing original and traditional music derived from a wide variety of times and cultures including: Medieval European, Roma, Greek, Celtic, French, Sephardic, Turkish, Scandinavian and others. Singer, composer, director, and harmonium and hurdy gurdy player, Roxanne Bruscha, adds to the visual of Wine and Alchemy's live show with a unique World Fusion Belly Dance performance featuring veil spinning and sword balancing.

Performing 8/26,27,9/2.3,4 at the Boars Head Tavern. On 9/30; 10/1,7,8 at the Lyric Stage.
https://wineandalchemymusic.com/

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, 9/9,10 at the Market Stage.

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

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. 9/16,17.

http://seraphimquartet.org/

Ship Shape

NEW this season!
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! September 17th & 18th.
Photo by Evan Hoffman.

Anna Tam

NEW solo show this season!
Shortlisted as ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ by Fatea Magazine in 2020 & 2021, for her solo work and her group ‘Wilde Roses’, Anna gives traditional British songs her own loving personal twist, performing on folk and historical instruments such as nyckelharpa, viola da gamba and hurdy gurdy. A former ‘Mediaeval Baebe’, she sings with ‘striking vocals’ Songlines Magazine and brings a Celtic set in English and Scottish Gaelic to Maryland this summer as well as her new album ‘Hatching Hares’. 'The string playing is of another dimension... Anna Tam is a find’ -Irish Music Magazine. Performing 9/10 - 9/11. Show times: 10:30am at the Globe; 12:30pm & 3:45pm at Gatehouse Stage.

www.annatam.co.uk

Albannach

Albannach returns to the Maryland Renaissance Festival on Saturday September 30th and Sunday October 1st. See them at the Blackfriars Theatre. Huzzah!

Albannach is Scots-Gaelic for "Scottish" or "Scotsman". That's exactly what they are. This Scottish band is a festival favorite and will get you on your feet with their energetic bare knuckle pipes & drums.

http://www.albannachmusic.com/

The Weyward Sisters

Let Arabella (Marissa Chaffee), Lilith (Anabel Milton), and Constance (Kaitlyn Fowler) cast a spell on you! Join the Weyward Sisters for music both lovely and haunting. 5:15pm at the Cottage Stage. They also appear at Pub Sing at 6pm at the White Hart Tavern.

Photo by Kevin Hedgecock.

Wolgemut - Early Music for Modern Minds!

Wolgemut (sounds like “Volga-moot), an ancient Germanic word which simply means “to be in a good mood”, is both the name as well as the goal of this high-energy early music troupe. The band, under the leadership of artistic director Michael Gartner, delivers a joyful, raucous show that makes early music fresh and exciting. Performing 8/27 - 9/25 at the Blackfriar's Theatre!

https://www.facebook.com/wolgemut/