Music & Entertainment
2012 Sherwood Celtic Music Festival Lineup
- Our entertainment schedule & merchant list is now available. Download it here.
- Our map is now available. Download it here.
- Or, download the Program which includes both of the above here.
- We have a few shows especially for kids. View them here.
| Téada | |
| One of Irish traditional music's leading exponents, Téada is driven by a fascination for the timeless, expressive force of music inherited from previous generations of musicians. An Irish band with a truly worldwide reach, Téada has appeared as a frequent headliner at major music festivals throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Russia, Israel and Australia. Founded by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, Téada first came together in 2001 to make an appearance on the innovative TG4 television series ‘Flosc’. 2012 marks a pivotal year for Téada with the band welcoming a sixth member to the line-up, legendary West Kerry singer and button-accordionist Séamus Begley. With engaging textural arrangements,Téada, meaning "strings" in the Irish language, revels in the vibrant traditional music of Ireland. Sherwood Celtic Music Festival welcomes them as our very special guests for 2012! Téada will play at the Elven Hill Stage both days of the Festival at 6:15 p.m. On Saturday night they will also play a late set at 8:15 p.m. Téada will also be holding a Music Workshop on Sunday Morning. This is a fun meet and greet where you will be able to learn some of the tunes from the band's repertoire. The workshop will begin at 11am at Como's Risorante Italiano next to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Pub. Bring your instruments or learn on the band's. Cost for Workshop: $20 |     |
| Blaggards | |
| A hard-edged ensemble of rockers returns to Sherwood Celtic Music Festival, bringing you “Stout Irish Rock.” Informed by everything from Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley to Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath, Blaggards are Patrick Devlin on vocals and guitar, and Chad Smalley on vocals and bass, plus fiddler Brandi Belle Clarke and drummer Michael McAloon. Grab a stout ale, and settle in for a rockin’ Stout Irish set by these rough-ridin’ Dubliners… just don’t call them “the” Blaggards and everything will be cool. Find Blaggards at the Greenwoode Theatre near the front gate. |   |
| Brizeus * | |
| Founded by world-renowned piper E.J. Jones, Brizeus is a group of pipers, drummers, and string players based all over the USA. They perform Celtic, historic European, and original folk dance music at outdoor festivals. They appeared at Sherwood Forest Faire in March, and now join us for Sherwood’s second Celtic Music Festival. They not only play bagpipes, but also bouzouki, more bagpipes, flutes, smallpipes (yes - bagpipes!), and bombard. Always lively and always in tune, Brizeus will wow you with their own flavor of medieval dance music – and they will teach you the dances if you ask, too! Hear this exciting and original pipe band at the Elven Hill Stage throughout the weekend. |  |
| Clandestine | |
| Clandestine is a hard-driving, toe-tapping Texas Celtic sound that brings you blasting tune sets, and fresh Celtic songs in three-part harmony. Al Cofrin leads on cittern, and sometimes joins piper E.J. Jones on bagpipes. Percussionist Emily Dugas captivates with her singular interpretations, and Fiddler Gregory McQueen adds fiery fiddle to the mix. Please welcome this amazing Celtic quartet for their second season at the festival. This long-time Texas Celtic favorite can be found at the Elven Hill Stage. |  |
| CLEGHORN | |
| CLEGHORN is a Texas Celtic rock band featuring the father and son team of John Cleghorn (vocals, guitars) and Dylan Cleghorn (fiddle, didgeridoo, vocals) with the rock solid rhythm of Mike Griffin (bass) and Paul Muller (drums). CLEGHORN music mixes original songwriting with blazing traditional Celtic fiddle tunes. CLEGHORN has performed for enthusiastic audiences and stirred up festivals all over the nation with their unique brand of Celtic rock. CLEGHORN are "Young, Free and Celtic" and they can be found at the Greenwoode Theatre. |  |
| The Jig is Up! | |
| After many years of playing sessions together these five musicians decided to go public, and The Jig is Up! was formed. Houston’s newest traditional Irish band combines flute, fiddle, accordion, vocals, and guitar for a vibrant rendition of the energetic traditional dance music and songs of Ireland. Whether playing flute tunes from Sligo and Roscommon, fiddle tunes from Clare, or polkas and slides from southwest Ireland, this group will fill you with the lively energy of PURE Irish music. Look for The Jig is Up! at the Greenwoode Theatre. During their afternoon shows they will be accompanied by the Irish Dance Center of Austin. |  |
| The Irish Dance Center of Austin | |
| The Irish Dance Center is an award winning school of traditional Irish Dance, founded in 1997 by World Champion Eimir Ni Mhaoileidigh. The school teaches the beautiful artistry and rich tradition of Irish Dance to both adults and children alike, and has proudly represented Austin at home and around the world for over a decade. The Irish Dance Center of Austin will be accompanying The Jig is Up! during their afternoon shows at the Greenwoode Theatre. |  |
| Lauren Morris and Robert Mitchell * | |
| Lauren Morris and Robert Mitchell bring a hot modern electric Celtic sound to the festival this year with brand new original music. Lauren is a commercial music producer, film score composer, sound designer and engineer at Scorpion Sound in the Buda area. Lauren's California Celtic band, Celticana has enjoyed international success for over 10 years and their excellent release Soldier's Daughter can be found at http://cdbaby.com/celticana. Lauren and Robert's multi-dimensional music is a must see at the festival this year. Lose yourself to Lauren's mystical voice at the Greenwoode Theatre. |  |
| Marc Gunn * | |
| Join Marc Gunn, known in the podcast world as “The Celt Father”, for a lively celebration of all things Celtic, Comic, and Cat. A dedicated promoter of Celtic Music and a well-known podcaster, Marc has spread the message of Indie Celtic music far and wide. He has also been a prolific composer of music in the Celtic genre. Accompanied by his own autoharp, Marc plays original songs, parodied rewrites of traditional songs; and he presents his own renditions of classic Celtic songs, both familiar and obscure. Also look for Marc as one of the Brobdingnagian Bards, who will reunite at Sherwood Celtic Music Festival for the first time this decade! Marc Gunn and his autoharp can be found throughout the weekend at the Horseman Stage. Both mornings he will present his workshop "Meet the Autoharp." Once per day, at the Vineyard Stage, he will also team up with his old partner in crime, Andrew McKee, for a reunion of the Brobdingnagian Bards. |  |
| Brobdingnagian Bards | |
| The Brobdingnagian Bards (pronounced brob-din-nahg-EE-en) are the original celtic renaissance music duo from Austin, Texas; with Marc Gunn on autoharp and Andrew McKee on mandolin and recorder. After a decade of making Music together at Renaissance Faires, Comic conventions, and Celtic Festivals the bards went their separate ways. Their final show was at the Brown Coat Ball in 2008. Bard fans will be happy to know that Marc and Andrew will play a reunion set each day of Sherwood Celtic Music Festival. Whether you are seeing them again after all these years, or listening to their frolicsome style of FUN Celtic music for the first time, you will be happy you listened! This long-awaited reunion takes place at the Vineyard Stage at 1:30pm each day. |  |
| Black Irish Texas - Sunday only | |
| These are the bad boys of Celtic Rock! They fuse Rockabilly and punk with fast and furious Celtic tunes. Their weapons include; Guitar, Banjo, upright bass, drums, Celtic fiddle… and they are all fully loaded. Since November ’04 when the Black Irish got together they have enjoyed sharing stages with world renowned acts and punk veterans such as the Dropkick Murphys and the Street Dogs. Hailing from Austin, Texas these Psychobilly reelers are sure to get your feet a-stomping and your head a-bangin’. Join the mosh pit at the Greenwoode Theatre. Sunday only! |  |
| Constant Billy - Saturday only | |
| "Constant Billy, one of Houston's longest-standing and continuously-performing acts, preserves the tradition of timeless Celtic music deep in the heart of Texas. Their lively reels and jigs keep audiences toe tapping, hand clapping and hollering for more. But it is their songs- Irish, Scottish and English ballads and their own, self-penned originals that define them and their performances. The trio- Emily Standish, Bill Galbraith and David Randall – manage to combine energy, precision and fun in a way that encourages audiences to join them in song. "Dedicated members of the Houston music community, Emily and Bill share their extensive knowledge of Celtic music as co-hosts on KPFT’S Irish Aires radio program. So, grab a pint and sing along to the rollicking melodies of Constant Billy!" - Pete Little, KPFT Radio 90.1FM This lovely Celtic couple plays for you at the Elven Hill Stage on Saturday only. |  |
| Therese Honey | |
| This renowned harpist has been perfecting her craft for decades, playing with Texas Renaissance favorite Wyndnwyre since 1976! Therese brings her harp to Sherwood Celtic Music Festival for some solo sets of pure beauty to your ears. Though she makes it look easy, she has studied these complicated numbers for many years. So find a shady bench, and let this master of the Celtic harp take you to the old country on a cloud of magical strings. Hear the magical sounds of Therese's harp at the Plum Tree Stage. |  |
| Earl Grey in the Morning | |
| Sherwood Celtic Festival is proud to debut this incredible new violin and guitar duo. Based in Houston, Earl Grey in the Morning features the red-hot fiddler Kristen Jensen and our all-around musical virtuoso Al Cofrin. Come prepared for musical fireworks as these two jam their way through Celtic, Jazz, and Folk tunes, both original and traditional. Come experience the debut of this duo of virtuosos at the Elven Hill Stage. |  |
| St. Thomas Alumni Pipe Band | |
| The St. Thomas Alumni Pipe Band is a Grade 2 pipe band based out of Houston, Texas, USA. The band derives most of its members from the St. Thomas Episcopal School as well as players from the surrounding states. In 2011, the band placed 4th overall in the Grade 2 finals of the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. In the same competition in 2012, the band moved up two spots to 2nd place overall. The band is led by Pipe Major Jamie Gattinger, Pipe Sergeant Matt Drecun, and Drum Sergeant Zach Goodrick. You'll hear the powerful music of the St. Thomas Alumni Band all around the village on Saturday only. |  |
| Harp Circle with Cindy Schaufenbuel | |
| Sherwood Forest Celtic Festival welcomes Cindy back for more lovely harp tunes. She invites harp players of all ages, abilities, and instrument sizes to gather for a Harpers' Circle. Share a Celtic tune or a few, solo or with friends. This is not a performance! Rather, it is an opportunity for area harpers to meet and play for each other in a casual and supportive atmosphere. Spectators welcome. Free Sunday admission to the Festival for participants who register by September 14th. Please contact Cindy Schaufenbuel at harponyou@yahoo.com for more information and to register. Cindy takes the Plum Tree Stage throughout the weekend. Come and be mesmerized by the tranquil tunes of this talented harper. |  |
| Bedlam Bards * - Sunday only | |
| The Bedlam Bards return to Sherwood Celtic Music Festival for more rollicking Irish tunes. These two scruffy bards have been delighting and frightening audiences at Renaissance Faires, Celtic Festivals, and comic conventions for many years. With Cedric on Fiddle, Hawke on Guitar, and both of them acting like class clowns, The Bedlam Bards provide a Celtic repertoire that will keep your belly laughing and your foot tapping. From Drinking songs and Irish tunes to bawdy songs and Space ballads the Bedlam Bards provide a funny and engaging show (just watch out for Hawke, who may actually try to engage you). |  |
| Saxon Moon * | |
| Saxon Moon is an instrumental Nordic group with influences ranging from Celtic Northern Europe and Scandinavian Folklore to hints of Mediterranean World Music, similar to the Kalderash who journeyed North from the Southeastern regions of Europe to the Icelandic hemisphere of the Danes. Saxon Moon's sole focus is to transport its audience back to the olde world, to re-create images of Saxon ancestry and the perilous travels of ancient forefathers, the adventures that were sought, and the numerous stories that bled forth which embody the sounds of Saxon Moon. |  |
| Shillelagh! * - Saturday only | |
| Shillelagh! have played at Sherwood Forest Faire for the past three seasons. Laura Leom sings all manner of Irish songs, accompanied by her own guitar, as well as flautist and guitarist Scott Boswell, percussionist Tree Leom, and fiddler Sean Orr. Come ready to dance along with this magical band of lively entertainers. |  |
| Jason Gunn * | |
| You won’t want to miss the raucous Bagpipes of Jason Gunn. Currently a member of American Bagpipes, Bayou City Pipes and Drums, and a performer at Sherwood Forest Faire, Jason is a one-man Scottish pipe band. |  |
| Walking Bones | |
happened upon the other's way And being like in mind and tune wandered together beneath the moon One's harp strung with golden hair, the other's guitar with sound so fair And as the two did soldier on, their sound became a doleful song: "Walking bones, walking bones, drawn to life by light that shone. Walking bones, walking bones, soon your heart will find its home." |  |
| O'Malarkey | |
| Look for this roving group of Irish musicians in the lanes of Sherwood Forest. They are especially likely to be near the front gate. Here’s their recipe for fun Celtic music on the run: Take one smidgen of traditional Irish tunes. Add a pinch of contemporary Celtic. Season to taste with humor and song. Blend well at high speed for 30 minutes or longer. Slam it down, chase with Scotch, and call it O'Malarkey! |  |
| San Antonio Pipes and Drums - Sunday only | |
| The San Antonio Pipes and Drums, a non-profit organization formed in 1986, strives to present traditional bagpipe band music for the enjoyment of both musician and audience. Members wear traditional Scottish attire, each kilt in an authentic tartan of the member's choice so that many clans are represented. Instruments played are the Great Highland Bagpipes and specially tuned drums. The group strives to improve performance and to encourage and assist beginners. Participants range in age from teenagers to "over 70" retirees. They average from 60 to 70 performances each year in special events, festivals, and celebrations over much of Texas. A popular attraction at the Texas Folklife Festival each year since their formation, the band is also proud to have played for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the president of Mexico when they visited San Antonio. They represented the city of San Antonio in a Fiestas Octubre Parade in Guadalajara,Mexico, and were first musical group offically to perform in the Alamodome. |  |
| Andrew McKee | |
| Andrew McKee has been a professional, award-winning musician for over a decade. He has performed at a variety of venues around the country and across the pond. Easily recognizable for his ever present mandolin and recorder, Andrew can be seen at his solo show and as one of the Brobdingnagian Bards at the Sherwood Celtic Music Festival. Longtime fans will be delighted by the addition of the tenor recorder and guitar to his repertoire. As a musician, composer, singer-songwriter, and sound engineer, Andrew has spent his life exploring all variations of musical theory and expression. In trying to understand the music writing process, the art and the science, Andrew developed a workshop for beginner song writing. Come learn what you are capable of at the 1 hour workshop on Saturday and Sunday. |  |
| Heather and Christopher Dunbar | |
| She, the librarian-author, who once sauntered through the picturesque Epping Forest, danced around the awe-inspiring standing stones of Avebury, and traipsed through the misty moors and vales of Scotland, not knowing that her experiences in those mystical places would spark creative passions within. He, the often kilt-clad disaster-prognosticator, leather smith, author, and pseudo-musician who never thought he possessed a creative bone within him, yet one woman encouraged his creativity to flourish. Together, they write. Hear Christopher recite excerpts of Morrigan's Brood at the Seven Sister's Stone Circle each day at 1:30pm. |  |
| McKee Andrus | |
| Enjoy the enchanting lyricism of Middle English poetry. These archaic versus were written over 600 years ago by Geoffrey Chaucer. Hear them brought to life in a performance of diction, memorization, and mirth. Mckee Andrus recites "The General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales" in Middle English. Sit and listen to Chaucer's famous tale in it's original form. Mckee Andrus will recite an excerpt of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales at 12:30pm at the Three Celestials Stage on Saturday only. |  |
* Denotes a returning Sherwood Celtic Music Festival or Sherwood Forest Faire performer
Especially for Kids
Your children will enjoy our musical acts listed above, but we also have a few shows that were selected especially with them in mind.
| Willow and her Giant | |
| At the Faery Forest Stage in Sherwood's Kid's Area you will find the blue faery, Willow and her kindly giant, Diarmuid playing music and telling tales. Diarmuid plays his magical harp and sings in a true Irish tenor while Willow sings along, and weaves interactive faery tales for the children. Here is the story of these two magical characters: Willow was born on a Midsummer night under a young and tender foxglove plant. Originally from Tir Na Nog ( The Land of Eternal Youth). Willow is of course an Irish faery! Her true Irish name is Etain, the daughter of Ailill the King of Uaid. She chose the name Willow when she began her travels. Before leaving her father bestowed upon her three gifts. The first being song, that she may carry the songs of Erin in her heart and share them with children young and old. The second is story weaving, so she may instill, love, generosity, courage, and compassion with all who are wise enough to listen. The third and final gift the most important gift of all, is the ability to bring smiles to the faces of the children she encounters. For it has been said that everytime a child smiles a fairy is born. Diarmuid is a kindly giant who poured his own soul into his brilliant blue harp. With love and care each pluck of every string stirs Aoibheal his muse and harp to life. Aoibheal received her name from a Queen of the faeries...the ancestral deity of the O"Brien clan...it is said that Diarmuid seeing Willow through looking deep into a magical well fell madly in love. Knowing she was from faeryland he went in search of the Queen to ask for her hand in marriage...Aoibheal consented but said that loving and belonging to a fae would mean that he would become her guardian for all of time...in lifetimes and in between lifetimes. He would always be her shield. They married on a summer eve, and their love grows and grows...a real life faery tale came true...just as they do everyday... |  |
| Cohort V | |
| Cohort Five cordially invites you to participate in a second year's presentation of "Romano-Celtic Britain: A Collision of Cultures." Twice each day, first century Romans and Britons will be presenting a humorous look at the history of the arrival of the Romans on the British Isles. You can find them at the Faery Forest Stage in Sherwood's kids' area, Once Upon a Time... Lots of information will be presented in a lighthearted way, followed by a boffer sword battle between combatants aged 12 and under. Safe swords and shields will be provided, and a good time will be had by all. Participation will be free, and donations will be gladly accepted. |  |
| Pignut Flea Circus | |
| Have you got fleas? The Pignut Flea Circus sure does! The Flea Circus has toured all around Ireland, and has successfully taken part in numerous festivals, including the Galway Arts Festival. It’s amazing! It’s spectacular! It’s astounding! It’s tiny! The show involves feats of astonishing bravery and breathtaking beauty – acrobatics, trapeze, high wire and more – all performed by highly trained, teeny tiny fleas. It is suitable for all of the family, especially youngsters. You will find the Flea Circus in Sherwood’s Children’s area, Once Upon a Time… |  |
