Musicians & Dancers

(We are still updating 2019 musicians and dancers. Check back again soon!)

Ballet Theatre of Maryland

BTM celebrates Shakespeare’s genius with the poignant, archetypal love story Romeo & Juliet. This tragic tale is told poetically and passionately through the fusion of dance, literature and Prokofiev’s magnificent musical masterpiece! Special performance Labor Day weekend only! 8/31, 9/1, 9/2 at 10:30am on the Globe Theatre! www.balletmaryland.org

Bayfield Brass

Anthony Valerio, director. Fantastic brass music masterly played. www.bayfieldbrass.com Performing Sundays, 9/22- 10/20.

Benison Bardwell, minstrel

Benison Bardwell (RichFollett), poet and balladeer, entertains with romantic songs of the Renaissance and creates custom-crafted quatrains for lovers and friends.

Camerata Musica, singers of madrigals

Debby Bors, Sarah Brackbill, Dan Brandt, Sherri Calvo, Christine Carey, April Curnow, Laura Denz, Bruce Hampton, Stan Hopkins, Beth Hopper - director, Buckley Hopper,Brooke Hsu, Katherine Lee, Katherine Marek, Nick Mecholsky, Harry Olson, Doreen Oster, Lynn Reggia, John Scheeler, Priscilla Wainwright Camerata Musica is an energetic a capella madrigals troupe, performing in myriad languages and styles from sacred to silly and from medieval chants to love ballads. http://www.camerata-musica.net/

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!

Mary Anne Espenshade, Rachel Isaacson, Eric Schwartz, Cynthia Sutton Don Sutton, Helen-Jean Talbott For over 30 seasons Consort Anon. has recreated the music of the Medieval and Renaissance periods to help Festival-goers better understand the music that might have surrounded Henry VIII's royal court as well as the peasants. The Consort, named after that most prolific early music composer Anonymous, was formed in 1979 and played their first Renaissance Festival in the autumn of 1980. When not in Revel Grove, the Consort performs at schools and church services. http://home.earthlink.net/~consort_anon/index.htm

The Crimson Pirates

Anne Alford, Spencer Corona, Robin Flanagan, Christopher Leidenfrost, Dan O'Driscoll, Emily Rouch . Prepare to be boarded! Revel Grove's favorite out-of-town singing pirates sail in from New York. They bring songs of lost love, spilt beer and cabin boys! Performing 9/28,29; 10/5,6,19,20.

Cu Dubh

Cu Dubh consists of musicians who have dedicated their lives to the study and performance of ancient music. David Macejka (2012 Grammy nominee), Mike McNutt and a variety of select performers have brought together their personal influences to create dark, original compositions played on the Great Highland Bagpipes and a barrage of drums from around the world. With influences from Scotland, Gaul, Galicia, Norway, Brittney, Ireland, Wales, German, India, Arabia, Africa and beyond, they call back to the ancient tribes in all of us. http://www.cudubhtribe.com/

Dublin 3

Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, singer and guitarist Ray Murphy met fiddler Jennifer Belle in a pub one evening over a decade ago and the two have been entertaining audiences ever since. Drummer Kevin Shook adds a gentle bass feel on cajon to traditional Celtic tunes that will be sure to get you clapping along. Performing 9/14,15. http://www.dublinfive.com/

Faith Ditty, Mistress of the Dance

Christa Palmer will delight the young and young at heart leading the maypole and peasant dances and she invites you to join the dance! Also a prize-winning Irish stepdancer, Christa can be seen amazing audiences dancing to jaunty jigs and fast-paced reels.

Melodious Ditty

Mistress Ditty (Cathy Palmer) plays fiddle and has been music director for many of the period plays produced at the festival. You can catch Mistress Ditty at the maypole and in the village.

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!

Fol-de-Rol, folk songs and madrigals

April Curnow, Sharon McKinley. The family-friendly vocal duo encourages audience participation, especially by children. Find them in the pathways and at Crooked Cottage stage on 8/24,25.

Seán Heely Trio

Multi-Genre violinist/fiddler Seán Heely is one of the most creatively versatile and captivating young artists of his generation. He is a U.S National Scottish Fiddle Champion as well as an award-winning Irish Fiddler. Seán is also fluent in a large variety of musical genres which include: Classical, Scottish, Irish, Bluegrass, and Gypsy Swing. Seán holds a degree from University of South Carolina in Classical Violin Performance. He is a 2019 Artist in Residence at Strathmore Music Center in Maryland where he will present concerts and educational workshops in May 2019. A educator in demand, Seán is an Adjunct Instructor at American University, he has also been on the faculty at several summer camps such as Acadia Trad School and Upper Potomac Fiddle Retreat. He was selected to compete in the prestigious Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann All-Ireland Senior Fiddle competition in Aug 2017. He has performed in Scotland, Ireland, and at venues in the U.S such as the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

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

The Hooligans

The band your mama warned you about is back FOR THE FULL RUN this season! Find them at the pubs, spreading joy, music, and nothing a good vaccine couldn't cure. The Hooligans specialize in Celtic music both rousing and beautiful. http://hooligansmusic.bandcamp.com/

The O'Danny House Party

The O'Danny House Party: Join this musical comedy gumbo of the O'Danny Girls, Drum Runners, and Pyrates Royale. Guaranteed to have you laughing and cringing . . . but in a good way! PG for mature themes. Ellie Cattle, James Gummer, Liz Demery & Steve Wannall. Photos courtesy of Kevin Hedgecock, Heather Stackhouse and Keith Hefner

Seamus Kennedy

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Seamus has been entertaining audiences all over the United States for four decades. He has won the WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Awards) for best Irish/Celtic vocalist many times, and his performances are noted for his lively sense of humor and banter with the audience. Performing on Labor Day Weekend - 8/31; 9/1,2. Photo by Richard Dorbin.

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.

Larksong, a capella ensemble

Drew Carlson, tenor; Martha Connolly, alto; Andrea DeSanti, soprano; David Pumplin, baritone/bass; James Raistrick, tenor; Janet Simons, soprano; Kevin Powers, bass. Larksong is a close troupe of harmonious voices who love the sound and the performance of beautiful a capella music. www.larksongsings.com

MacPherson's Pocketwatch

New to the Festival! MacPherson’s Pocketwatch is a fiddle-folk power duo that blends Celtic trad music with acoustic American songwriter style. Fiddler Brandon Kennedy and guitarist Sean Piland engage to create an energetic and synergistic musical experience that evokes elements of rich peeted whisky and Irish green countrysides.

Natterjacks

Craig Williams, Darcy Nair, Lisa Oberg, Sarah Stepanik. Two retired Pyrates, a fiddler, and a nice Irish girl walked into a bar... No joke, this group of folk music virtuosos from acclaimed bands The Pyrates Royale, The O’Danny Girls, and The ShamRogues strives to sound more pleasing to the ear than its namesake the rather loud and obnoxious Natterjack toad. Guitar, violin, hammered dulcimer, concertina, flute, percussion, and a chorus of lush vocal harmonies make up the band's rich and innovative sound. You’ll love Natterjacks, warts and all!

North Sea Gas

They are back! NORTH SEA GAS: Dave Gilfillan (left), Grant Simpson (center) and Ronnie (Mac) MacDonald (right) Over thirty-seven years and stronger than ever! "North Sea Gas" is one of Scotland's most popular folk bands with great vocals and tremendous three part harmonies. Guitars, Mandolin, Fiddle, Bouzouki, Harmonica, Whistles, Bodhrans, Banjo and good humor are all part of the entertainment. They have received Gold and Silver Disc awards from the Scottish Music Industry Association and regularly have sold out shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and around the world! Performing on 9/14,15.

Painted Trillium

Kristin Rebecca - voice, harp, guitar; Susan Meyer - hammered dulcimer, Irish whistle; Rob Meyer - octave mandolin, guitar, bodhran. Performing 9/7- 10/20. 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

Piperjones

Piperjones (EJ Jones), is an award-winning piper and teacher at piping workshops across the USA. Piperjones 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. www.piperjones.com

Poehemia

New this season! 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.

Pub Sing Along

Join some of your favorite pub bands and villagers as they lead the audience in a rousing sing-along of traditional English, Irish and Scottish drinking songs and sentimental ballads at the White Hart Tavern. Photo of Mayor Mondes by Keith Heffner.

The Pride of Ireland

There are songs that are Irish, and there are songs that wish they were Irish. This music combined with toasts, jokes, and stories Matthew Young strives to bring the mirth and magic of the Emerald Isle to Renaissance Faires and Festivals all over the country. Matthew has a background of classical music training, and operatic performance; but he was brought up in the world of traditional folk music. Beginning with his grandfather's living room bluegrass jams, he was drawn to the songs and tunes of his Irish ancestors. From that foundation his passion grew with the traditional music from Canada, the Maritimes, as well as his birthplace in the United States. From toe-tapping pub songs, to ballads charged with emotion. This wandering rogue has audiences clapping their hands and raising their glasses.

The Pyrates Royale

Erik Booker, Jenn Bell Garman, Claudia Harrison, Damon Hersh, Brad Howard, Matt Salisbury, Tim Shaw. The original singing pirate band, the Pyrates Royale, are back home for more singing and shenanigans. Don't miss them at the pubs on Pirate Weekend -9/28,29!

The Rambling Sailors

Greg and Susan Csikos Both successful soloists, Greg and Susan have joined forces to present a show full of harmonies that please the ear and lift the spirits. Greg was a founding member of the piratical sextet, The Corsairs before launching his solo career. Susan has been performing as Rosie Peaseblossom at Renaissance Faires and on Tall Ships since 1992. www.ramblingsailors.com

Renaissance Revelers, madrigal ensemble

Monica Boruch, Karen Cain, Van Corey, David Jackson, Laura Kawa, Margo Lehman, Michael Pierson, Matt Roberts, Randy Rogers, Rebecca Rogers, Meredith Stewart, Katie Wanschura, Viola Whieldon, Theresa Younger. The Renaissance Revelers is an ensemble performing Medieval and Renaissance music from several European nations. They have performed at the MD Renaissance Festival since 1987. Other venues include the National Cathedral, White House Christmas celebrations, Walter's Art Museum Brookside Gardens and First Night celebrations in addition to government, corporate and private events. http://www.last.fm/music/The+Renaissance+Revelers

Scales and Crosstones

Saber Tompson, Jim Cason, Maggie Cason, Darriel Day, Molly Lindsey,Donna Smith Scales and Crosstones is a pirate band that specializes in melodic sea shanties and Celtic music. The band believes that music of the past can be enjoyed by the present generation. While keeping with tradition, their harmonies and rhythms shed new light on old songs. http://scalesandcrosstones.com/

Seraphim, women’s quartet

Martha Lawrence, Charlotte Knapp, Phyllis Fong, Kathleen Peery Seraphim's four graceful ladies sing of life and love in Tudor England. The specialize in dances that evoke the spirit of the times, and offer humorous observations of the Court and its customs. Their songs of merry revels, animals, gypsies and pirates delight both the young and young at heart. Seraphim also appears in other eras and seasons. Please see www.seraphimquartet.org.

Sirena - The Sirens

Travel back to the time of mythical gods, shipwrecked lovers, and the ethereal women whom all sailors both fear and adore--the Sirens. Straight from the depths of the sea, Aglaope, Legeia, and Raidne bring you a show filled with drumming, dancing, and all-original music. Their songs will hypnotize you and their stories will touch your hearts, but hold on to your souls, or you might find you've lost them to the hands of the Sirens!

Token Entertainment

Russell Brandford, Dallas Valley. Griffon DuMonde and Rhee are two normal ordinary travelers come to exotic foreign England to partake of the quaint local customs of the natives and add a little color to the Festival as Token Entertainment.

Violins of Baltimore

Originally from Russia, Nataly Merezhuk has made her way from the Moscow Conservatory all the way to the East Coast of the United States. There she went on to attend the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland and currently is a freelance orchestra musician in the Greater Washington D.C. area. Although well-grounded in the classical world, she has long been fascinated by improvised music genres.

Matt Andrews can be seen performing regularly in the Baltimore-Washington area in various ensembles. He is a member of several bands that tour the country and play locally - including Tongue in Cheek Jazz Band, Baltimore Django Collective, and the Hot Club of Baltimore.

Together they have formed their own innovative violin ensemble, exploring many genres including classical and jazz.

Maryland Renaissance Festival