This bawdy bard cut her teeth as a master of ceremonies in taverns hither, thither and yon! She hath bemused many a barroom with scandalous songs and unabashed brazen banter. Catch a bit of her naughtiness at The Three Stags Pub on Sherwood’s fifth weekend.     

Once upon a time… a Celtic duo known as Brobdingnagian Bards performed coast-to-coast; and in any given moment could be found performing at Lord of the Rings Oscar Parties, Celtic festivals, or Sci-Fi Conventions. But first and foremost they were an absolute favorite at Renaissance Faires, where they played in rain, shine, wind rain and cold, always with high-energy and “rye” Irish wit to make every show a memorable experience. Brobdingnagian Bards split paths almost a decade ago, only to reunite for the 2012 Sherwood Celtic Music Festival, where they announced a forthcoming recording collaboration. Marc and Andrew now perform regularly again.  On Sherwood’s sixth and seventh weekends they shall play for you at the Elven Hill Stage.  

The CRAIC Show is a wildly entertaining act made up of four travelers who, in 1191, banded together on an ancient battlefield, and defeated their enemies with Killer Music! Daniel O'Ryan, Rina Von Adams, Dylan Copperpot, and Tonya Den Norse merge unique music from faraway lands for a sound unlike any other. Watching the group switch instruments throughout the show is a sight to see; and songs often end with the entire group on percussions. Ever-evolving and constantly blending styles, The CRAIC Show always brings a fresh, high-energy blend of World Medieval Music. Come hear them for yourself on Sherwood’s final 3 weekends at the Lionheart Tavern.

Ermagerd the Bard presents serious history and silly songs. Old dead languages and live animal noises may occur. Come sing along with this Medieval Encyclopedia of Bardic knowledge at the Horseman Stage on Sherwood’s first two weekends and fifth weekend. Come welcome Ermagerd, who recently played at the first annual Viking Festival last December nearby Sherwood Forest Faire.  

Gunnar Sølberg plays upbeat traditional music to warm the heart. Give an ear to the haunting sounds of his old world mandolin. His Scandinavian and European musical lore will return your soul to a bygone era. Find Gunnar at the Horseman Stage and other small venues around the faire every weekend but Feb 29 – Mar 1.

The Jackdaws return to the Elven Hill Stage for Sherwood’s final four weekends. These revelers deliver original and traditional Irish jams to delighted audiences across the land. This travelling trio will excite your inner Irishman and have you coming back for more driving melodies and relentless, aggressive lyrics. More Irish than a drunken row, and a darned site messier! Meet the Jackdaws at The Elven Hill Stage on the final four weekends of faire. 

Klaus Weiland, once an up-and-coming star of the German folk-rock scene who “disappeared” to India at the height of his stardom, has turned up in medieval Nottingham at Sherwood Forest Faire. Most of his fans from the days of yore still wonder where he may be, but you will be lucky enough to find his lovely voice and lilting guitar here in this very forest! Klaus holds court daily at his family shoe shop, Medieval Moccasins, nearby the Joust Arena.   

Marc Gunn, the “Celtfather”, brings his autoharp to the Horseman Stage, The Lionheart Pub and other venues for two consecutive weekends. Come sit and have a listen to Marc’s colourful wisdom about all things Celtic, Comic, and CAT. This handsome Irish gentleman shall fill thy head with niceties and nonsense as he plays for you from his one-of-a-kind Celtic songbook. Some original, some traditional, and some in between. His first set of the day shall be his silliest specialty: Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. Marc also reunites with Andrew McKee each day he’s in Robin Hood’s forest for a rare and sought-after set of the Brobdingnagian Bards! 

Master "Bones" Jangle a Shantyman by trade, had to accept a position as ship’s surgeon… and though the ship’s crew seemed to dwindle, both in limbs and in numbers, the ship’s cook was suddenly able to feed them all handsomely. After some months at sea, what was left of the HANDS on the ship finally realized something was AFOOT. EYEING the Barbary Coast, Bones managed to FLESH out an idea to teach the remaining crew to play music so that they might MEET locals with a NOSE for the finer things – and then invite them for dinner in the ship’s galley. Now Master “Bones” Jangle and the Voodoo Island Cannibals have come to entertain you at the Greenwoode Theatre on the Faire’s first four weekends and final weekend. Come lend an EAR… if you’ve got the GUTS!

With a HEAVE and a HO and WAY HAUL AWAY, let us welcome back the 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 The Lionheart Tavern, the Elven Hill Stage, and charting courses elsewhere. On the first four weekends of the faire, lady Susan’s siren voice and Cap’n Gregg’s guitar and squeeze box will take you on a musical journey worth scribing in your log! Ahoy!

The Pirates of Sherwood have brought a special treat from their latest voyage: a group of medieval bellydancers! This group of dancers, singers, and drummers carries on the ancient tradition of the traveling troupe. Just as the 'Ghawazi' dancers of Egypt captured the attention of travelers in ancient lands, the dancers of "The Scallywags Raks” enchant audiences today- with spiritual rhythms… and a healthy dose of sass. A hand-picked selection of dancers and musicians come together across several genres of Bellydance to deliver powerhouse performances. With Scimitars, comedy drum-solos, and balancing acts, The Scallywags engage audiences of all ages. 

Dressed in kilts and suggestive smirks, Tartanic gives its audiences a barrage of sound from not one but TWO Highland Bagpipes, 2 percussionists, 2 smokin' dancers, 8 drums, 6 drones, 18 notes, fast fingers, high comedy, flying bagpipes, taste-defying stunts, and scorching hot music played at over 120 beats per minute with driving speed and high-volume—all brought to you by 4 men without pants and 2 talented lasses! With hearts open wide and mugs raised high, Sherwood Forest Faire welcomes Tartanic BACK to the Elven Hill Stage for the last 3 weekends of faire. 

Vince Conaway, a musician and composer, can be found performing a wide variety of music on hammered dulcimer throughout the continent and in Europe, with music ranging through Celtic, medieval, renaissance, and baroque repertoires. An interactive performer, Vince believes that the audience should not be separated from the show, but instead be part of it; and he brings a bit of culture and historical perspective to every performance. “Go ahead and ask him a geeky question. Odds are he’ll keep playing while he talks.” – Medieval Cookery. Find this talented soloist at the Three Stags Pub, The Grove Stage, and all along the lanes of Sherwood Forest.