Independent Acts
2012 Lineup
| Alan a Dale |
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| This merry minstrel is one of Robin Hood’s very best friends. He sings songs of celebration for the heroes of the Greenwoode, and many other songs especially for the wee folk (thy tykes). His CD, “Songs of Sherwood” is available at Sherwood's Hollow Souvenir Shoppe at the Front Gate. Seek Alan a Dale in Sherwood’s children’s area, Once Upon a Time… |  |
| David Arkenstone and Friends | |
| On Sherwood’s final weekend, join very special three-time Grammy-nominated artist, David Arkenstone, for a symphony of original music that harkens back to the soul of the ancients. With Celtic harmonies and influences of lands afar, David Arkenstone and Friends will spin many a tale of adventure in the universal language of instrumental music. Mar 31-Apr 1 only |  |
| As You Like It | |
| In the second half of the faire, Christi Potter, a long-time Renaissance favorite, joins Sherwood for the first time. Starting on March 16th, find her in the lanes and in the forests, sending the magical sounds of her hammer dulcimer up into the treetops. Mar 16-18, 24-25, Mar 31-Apr 1 only |  |
| The Bard O’Neill | |
| Sherwood’s fiery Bard plays Ballads both Saucy and Sweet most every weekend at the Horseman Stage. Her mighty voice and sharp Irish wit will inspire you to kick up your heels. Raise a stout pint to Bard O’Neill with gusto! Absent Mar 3-4 & Mar 18 |  |
| The Bedlam Bards | |
| A rowdy pair of musicians, these Celtic minstrels will be jitterin’ your leg ‘til ye get up on a table and dance a jig! Find them at the Pirate Territory Stage, the Horseman Stage, and all around the Shire. Also look for the Bedlam Bards’ adult 30-dirty show (18 and up only). The Bedlam Bards will also lead Sherwood’s Pub sing at Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem Pub at day’s end. |  |
| Belz | |
| As you make your way down the hill from Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Pub, you may notice a small fenced-in homestead, complete with a chicken coop and a lily pond. Here, Lady Belz is ready to invite you to sit for a spell, and meet her fine-feathered friends. She is likely to tell you stories, speak to you with hand puppets, or simply give you some company as you enjoy the sounds and sights of the faire. |  |
| Brizeus | |
| E.J. Jones leads this powerhouse of medieval Celtic bagpipes, drums, and percussive strings. Join them at the Vineyard Stage one weekend only for an Inter-Celtic, historic dance party right out of the Middle Ages! E.J. Jones, Al Cofrin, Richard Kean, Rosalind Buda, and Justin Peiwetz. Feb 18-19 only |  |
| The Brothers Dracul | |
| On Sherwood’s first two weekends you will find the Brothers Dracul at the Three Celestials Stage. From the Eastern regions of Europe, or the Western regions of the Ottoman Empire, these madcap brothers bring you fire manipulation, juggling, acrobatics, and other zany antics sure to appeal to your sense of danger. Feb 11-12, 18-19 only |  |
| Circa Paleo | |
| These mystical minstrels return to Sherwood on Friday March 16th. During Sherwood’s final three weekends, hear Gypsy-inspired music that transcends the boundaries of both region and era. They draw upon varied global influences to bring unlikely musical combinations to the here and now. These Elven minstrels will mystify you at the Elven Hill Stage near the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Pub. Mar 16, 18, 24-25, and Mar 31-Apr 1 only |  |
| Combat Tournament of Sherwood | |
| Four international fighting champions, Masters of the Western Martial Arts, pit their strength and brutality against each other in a violent contest where you choose the winners and you decide the outcome! Packed with action and hilarity, the Tournament of Sherwood is a must-see for those who can take a bit of violence and naughty humour. (Warning: Adult Content) |  |
| Crystal Fidgets | |
| You never know where this merry clown will turn up next. Little Miss Fidgets has the habit of juggling and joking, and she is looking for fun folks to play with as she flits about the forest. Try offering her three or four things to juggle, like pine cones, acorns, or leaves… |  |
| Darbuki Kings | |
| This season Darbuki Kings’ lead man, the Great Antone, welcomes the versatile drums of Joachim Morrissey and the gyrations of two amazing belly dance groups for your pleasure. Both Gypsy Eyes and the Drishti Dancers will join the Darbuki Kings on alternate weekends for a musical and dance experience like no other! Darbuki Kings will also lead a Drum Circle at the Seven Sisters Stone Circle at day’s end. |  |
| Dirt Faeries | |
| Lema and Ping create amazing art from dirt, sticks, and finely-colored sand. They have made a nest just inside the two towers of Sherwood’s children’s area, Once Upon a Time… Come observe this rare breed of Dirt Faery in their natural habitat…the dirt. |  |
| Drishti Dancers | |
| The fabulous Drishti Dancers will join the Darbuki Kings on the Plum Tree Stage on alternate weekends. Feb 11-12, 25-26, Mar 3-4, Mar 24-25 only |  |
| Faire to Middlin' | |
| Join Mab and Gil, two bards with an arsenal of songs both original and traditional. Sometimes bawdy, and sometimes simply, serenely lovely, find Faire to Middlin’ at several locations around the Forest, including the Grove Stage and Tobar Tinker’s Pawn Shop Stage (Shop 204). | 
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| The Filthy Rotten Scoundrels | |
| The Filthy Rotten Scoundrels Mud Show features two lunatics who spend all day fighting and babbling in a muddy pit. We decided to invite them back to Sherwood anyway! See them at the towering Mud Show Stage near the Royal Coin Mint. Beware of front row seating, however, for these crazy mudslingers really know how to break the fourth wall! |  |
| Fool Hearty | |
| The newest addition to the Once Upon a Time...children’s area, are Court Jesters Marquise and Ima Nutte. They will perform three different shows daily, including Fool’s School, The Royal Fools' Variety Show, and The Untrained Dog Show featuring Blockhead and Polka Dot. These Jesters, who have been voted “Best Children’s Act” three times now by Renaissance Magazine, will hold court at the Faery Forest Stage. |  |
| Abby Green | |
| The bright voice and sweet tunes of Abby Green will serenade you at the Grove Stage, a gazebo close to the Main Gate and Jacob’s Well Pub. Her tranquil, yet lively style of Irish music is sure to inspire you to look on the lovely side of life. Feb 25-26, Mar 3-4, Mar 10-11 only |  |
| Gypsy Eyes Drum and Dance | |
| These alluring belly dancers will join the Darbuki Kings on the Plum Tree stage on four weekends. Feb 18-19, Mar 10-11, Mar 16-18, Mar 31-Apr 1 only |  |
| Hands of Fatima Belly Dance | |
| These energetic belly dancers come from the far and mysterious lands of the East. Feel the rhythm of distant cultures as the Hands of Fatima spin, swirl, and undulate for you while their ensemble of musicians play on! This season you will find them at the Vineyard Stage. |  |
| 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 TRF, Jason is a one-man Scottish pipe band. Hear him at the Vineyard stage, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Pub, and marching on the high roads and the low roads of Sherwood Forest. Limited engagement |  |
| Kaade of the Woods | |
| Kaade, bard to the faery realm, brings you music from the mysterious folk of faery cultures. Seek him out at the Horseman Stage, Once Upon a Time…, and at the Seven Sisters Stone Circle to hear tales and tunes of the faeries, trolls, selkies, and other creatures of the Otherworld. |  |
| Karma's Raggle Taggle Gypsy Show | |
| Madam Jhithana and Karma, her amazingly talented little dog, will appear in various venues, as well as making merry in the lanes. See Karma perform her special breed of talent, and you will come away with a smile on your face, and a new appreciation for the minds and personalities of our four-legged friends. |  |
| Klaus of Hamlin | |
| Klaus Wieland, a once up-and-coming star on the German folk-rock scene who “disappeared” to India at the height of his career, has turned up in medieval Nottingham at Sherwood Forest Faire. His fans from the days of olde still wonder where he may be, but you will be lucky enough to find his lovely voice and lilting guitar at the Majestico Stage! |  |
| Knights of Mayhem | |
| Come to the Joust Arena to spectate these crusaders who have stopped on their way to the Holy Land to hone their skills at the court of King Richard. With the sport of full-contact jousting gaining national and international recognition, and following a six-episode season of their own National Geographic Channel docu-drama, the Knights of Mayhem return to Sherwood for more hard-hitting action on the list. The competitions you see at the Jousting Arena will not be choreographed, so join them at the arena for some real medieval extreme sports! |  |
| Ky Hote | |
| Beware Lords and Ladies of the “Most Dangerous Guitar Player” of the renaissance. He seems nice enough, but there is something piratical beneath his Gypsy Smile. Stop and enjoy this wandering minstrel’s distinctive and dynamic approach to the acoustic guitar. Ky will be at Sherwood for the second half of the show, starting March 10th. Seek him out in the lanes of Sherwood Forest Faire. Mar 2-4, 10-11, 16-18, 24-25 only |  |
| MadMan Maverick - The World's Second Greatest Magician! | |
| This insane gypsy performs dangerous and magical feats at the Vineyard Stage, just beyond the Falconer’s Stage. See him put kids in guillotines, blow fireballs, and make a gypsy fool of himself (and possibly you, too). |  |
| Magical Mystical Michael | |
| Michael ascribes to a mystical philosophy he calls “eccentric-illusive logic.” While this may or may not be explained in his show, it will certainly be demonstrated. See him bend the rules of physics, and just when you think it is safe to blink, he will break them. Though more humble than some conjurers, who wear bright flashy robes, this magical man will astound thy noggin while he tickles thy funny bone. Mar 3-4 only |  |
| Marc Gunn | |
| The “Celtfather” brings his Autoharp to the Horseman Stage for two consecutive weekends. Sit and have a listen to Marc Gunn’s colorful world of all things Celtic, Comic, and Cat. Marc will fill thy head with niceties and nonsense as he plays for you songs original, traditional, and others that are somewhere in between. Feb 11-12, 18-19 only |  |
| Merlin the Wise | |
| The mysterious man who lives backward through time welcomes you to join him in Once Upon a Time…, Sherwood’s children’s area. This season Merlin will be performing at the Faery Forest Stage along with his lovely accomplice, Samyra Kyrie Apo Cynara, who he has summoned from ancient Greece. Come see amazing feats of magic with music by Merlin and friends. |  |
| One Man Tribal Circus | |
| In the spirit of circus shows of days gone by... This delightfully funny show will get you belly-laughing and then amaze you with feats of skill. Come see Martin cheat death again and again as he walks a high rope while simultaneously juggling torches of fire! Feb 25-26, Mar 3-4, 10-11, 16-18, 24-25 only |  |
| Oskar Hasselhoff's Schools of Sword | |
| Herr Hasselhoff, the German master of defense (and offense) holds several classes per day. For children he teaches chivalry and defense, and for adults he elaborates on the Medieval Martial arts, from defenestration to disfigurement. Be sure to find the class that is right for you. Children’s School of Sword: Come and watch as your children learn the basics of sword fighting in a hands-on experience that is fun for all ages and family-friendly. Do not be late! Adult School of Sword: Watch and learn as Oskar Hasselhoff demonstrates techniques and answers questions about the traditional Medieval weapons of your choice! So come and learn from a master how to meet interesting people and kill them! Private Sword Tutoring: Work with the traditional medieval weapon of your choice in a 25-minute interactive session taught by Oskar Hasselhoff, the German Master of Defense. Only 2 to 3 students participate per session. Adults only! |  |
| Owain Phyfe | |
| Owain Phyfe, bard to many a Welsh lord in his time, has traveled as a pilgrim to numerous parts of Christendom and beyond. He plays for thee all of the hits from the last 800 years, tunes so authentic they will haunt thy dreams. Hear him at the Grove Stage on the 2nd to last weekend of the faire. Mar 24-25 only |  |
| Palo Fuoco | |
| As twilight turns to dusk and the sun is setting on a grand day of festivities, make your way to the parking lot for one final performance outside the front gate of Sherwood Forest Faire. These fire artists light up the night with flashing fire balls, fire poi, devil sticks and other methods of playing with open flames! The show starts promptly at dusk. |  |
| Paolo Garbanzo - with Fools of Fortune! | |
| Find this crazy Italian juggling knives, fire, and balancing on precarious objects at the Greenwoode Theatre. For Sherwood’s final three weekends two other fools, Jamison and Shelli, will be joining Paolo for a three-juggler show of skills and thrice the silliness. Known as the Fools of Fortune, these acrobatic manipulators will have you gasping with laughter and staring in amazement! |  |
| Poor Man's Fortune | |
| On St. Patrick’s Day, Poor Man’s Fortune will spotlight the music of the Bretons, the true ethnicity of St. Patrick. The Breton music tradition is marked by a range of styles from traditional to original, and Poor Man's Fortune embraces them all. PMF features Larry Rone on flutes and small pipes, Serge Laîne on button accordion and dulcitar, the lovely Kristen “Tsura” Jensen on fiddle. Mar 17 only |  |
| Rambling Sailors | |
| Climb aboard with a musical couple who have serenaded the Renaissance circuit on many a voyage. This salty pair of sea-farers call you to join them at the Pirate Territory Stage and the Grove Stage. Rosie McCann's siren voice and Joshua Jenkins' guitar and squeeze box will take you on a musical journey worth scribin’ in your log! Ahoy! |  |
| Saxon Moon | |
| Sherwood introduces Saxon Moon in this year of 1191. Having first played for Sherwood at the 2011 Sherwood Celtic Music Festival, these olde worlde instrumentalists bring mystical sounds of bygone eras, from Viking to Celtic to rhythms of the East. Follow their original sound to the Majestico Stage near the Three Stags Bar. |  |
| Shillelagh! | |
| Jim and Joyce Lilquist of Gypsy Guerilla Band will be joining Shillelagh! for Sherwood’s 2012 season. This now five-piece band of drums, flutes, and guitars will keep your toe tapping and your mind a-reeling with mirth. Discover them at the Majestico Stage near the Three Stags Bar. |  |
| Sky Kings Falconry | |
| King Richard’s own falconry master, Sir Robert Cheseman, appears at the Falconry Stage several times daily, and will also make one appearance each day in Once Upon a Time…, Sherwood’s children’s area. Watch these amazing birds in flight, and learn about their history, their special skills, and what you can do to help them remain the Kings of the Sky for many more centuries to come. |  |
| Steven’s Puppets | |
| Visit the Puppet Stage in Once Upon a Time…, and let the Steven’s Puppets Players take you to a world of make-believe where marionettes and hand puppets come to life! Punch and Judy, ferocious Crocodiles, and many other delightful characters await you. |  |
| The Story Tree | |
| Recently back from Transylvania, Boris the Storyteller returns to Sherwood accompanied by Jincey, a patient faery in disguise, and Quip, a young quartermaster. Seek them out in Sherwood’s children’s area, Once Upon a Time…, telling and performing stories in a gypsy manner (not with the manners of gypsies). You may also find Boris roaming other parts of the festival, telling some bawdy tales that should go over the young ones’ sweet little noggins. Limited Engagement |  |
| Tristan Stone's Magic | |
| Tristan and his intrepid assistant Finn bring their own brand of magic to the Three Celestials Stage and the Horseman Stage. You won’t believe your eyes as these two traveling performers challenge your senses and your ability to reason! |  |
| Tsura the Gypsy | |
| A member of the Breton band Poor Man’s Fortune, who will be laying siege to the Elven Hill Stage on St. Patrick’s Day, this beautiful and amazingly talented gypsy fiddler will also be found roaming about Sherwood Forest, and playing impromptu sets with all sorts of haunting tunes for you… if are lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time. Limited Engagement |  |
| Tulstin Troubadours | |
| Here’s a Celtic duo who cannot decide which instruments they like to play most – so they just play as many as they can get their hands on! From harp to trombone to drums to the Indian psaltry, the Tulstin Troubadours are sure to put thee in a merry mood. Also listen for their brass flourishes that summon you events like the opening Gate Show and the Joust! |  |
| VaNa MaZi | |
| Sherwood welcomes these nomadic, musical polyglots to the Elven Hill stage for the first five weekends of the faire. They are known for playing traditional songs from numerous regions and eras in many different languages. They will romance you with viola, accordion, Chitarra, and Greek Tsouras. Feb 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, Mar 3-4, 10-11 only |  |
| Wino Vino | |
| A small army of gypsy musicians, these boisterous bards play “…acoustic revelry of uproarious instrumentals, swooning ballads, and an intoxicating live performance for young and olde alike.” The Gypsy rovers of Wino Vino can be found at the Elven Hill Stage, The Plum Tree Stage, and many other locations around the magical glens of Sherwood Forest. |  |
| Worthy Waits of Whimsey | |
| Playing at the Plum Tree Stage near the Seven Sisters Stone Circle, this early-music wind and cello ensemble are right out of the middle ages. Tarry awhile to enjoy their melodies, and let your cares waft away on the breeze. |  |
