My co-worker and her husband took me to my first Renaissance Festival in 2002 (Thank you, Leann!). While I was excited by most of the things I saw (working trebuchets, live chess games) the thing that got me hooked and kept me going back was the music. Specifically, hammered dulcimer music. Whenever I go to a faire now, I seek out hammered dulcimers. As long as the performer doesn’t sing so loudly that they drown out their dulcimer, I will be captivated. Here is a list of some of my favorite performers I have enjoyed over the years.
PERFORMERS:
FORTRESS DWELLERS https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576746120242 Enthusiastic, family-friendly music and dancing lessons in the midst of their performances at faires.
MISTI BERNARD http://www.facebook.com/misti.bernard Irish, Spanish traditional songs ~ vocals, hammered dulcimer and more. Misti is a very talented and clever performer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ0WpXHHzLM
EZNDIL/EZRA & DILLY http://www.frontdoorfarmmarket.com Irish traditional music ~ vocals, guitar, drum and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4gANdqKZaU&list=PL7U5kfgxZIn4R1QLYmjyDJvQmPerKZWgf&index=15
FUGLI TROLL http://www.povera.com Traditional European songs plus very clever re-makes of tunes you’ve known for decades. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI4XYvKkIy4&feature=youtu.be
THE LONGBOW SHOW www.thelongbowshowandshop.com Makoa and Phil/Robyn and The Hood are world champion archers while still being humble and friendly. Their show mixes trick shots, humor, history and good, fun competition. They are definitely a class act as well as quality bowyers and fletchers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxO8fbCLYnM
TULSTIN TROUBADOURS http://www.tulstintroubadours.com A very talented band at playing multiple instruments in the same song. Simply too many instruments to list here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UNvdQbphug
OTHER ENTERTAINMENT:
http://www.sirclisto.com - Renfaire Info ~ a wealth of knowledge
http://www.okselfbow.com ~ Oklahoma Selfbow Camp (everything for homemade bows)
http://www.medievaltimes.com ~ Experience jousting and sword fighting at a dinner theatre