Andrew McKee

An accomplished and relentless multi-instrumentalist, Andrew McKee has been part of the Sherwood Forest Faire experience since before Sherwood even existed. Andrew is one half of Brobdingnagian Bards, who at the dawn of their career used to play on the South Lawn at UT - a significant inspiration to one of Sherwood’s creators. They went on to be the first internet-savvy Celtic Music outfit and proceeded to put their big Brobdingnagian foot in the door of the Celtic Music scene in the digital realm. As a soloist, Andrew puts on a wonderfully engaging show and he’ll be teaming up at the Three Stags Pub with David O’Leary as “McKee and O’Leary” for some duos in the middle of the day and for a PUB SING in the early evening on Saturday.

Blaggards

The 2024 Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival presents Blaggards (no “the”, pronounced BLA’ GUARDS or BLA’ GHERDS, depending on where you’re from). They like to shred something they call Stout Irish Rock: traditional Irish music mixed with rock n’ roll, influenced by everything from Johnny Cash and Elvis to Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath. They are most frequently compared to bands like Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, and The Pogues. They’ll be boarding the Argosy pirate ship stage on Saturday for three rockin’ sets!

Breton Music and Dance Review

While most people in America think of Celtic Culture as a Scottish and Irish thing, the Celts lived all over Europe, and to this day there are several other regions with strong Celtic roots like Wales and Cornwall as well as Spain and France. The region of France we call Brittany in English, or Bretagne in French, is very proud of its Celtic history. Although certain governments tried to eradicate this culture, it lives on today. Breton music and dance are at the heart of this culture, and we are proud to present a showcase of both by some of the experts. Kristen Jensen, who has been a member of America’s premiere Breton band, Poor Man’s Fortune, along with Al Cofrin, another accomplished scholar of Breton Music, have collaborated with dance choreographer Whitney Rowlett to bring you this rare opportunity to catch live Breton Music and Dance right here in Texas. Find them at the Greenwoode Theatre in the middle of the day Saturday.

Celtic Archery Tournament with Robert de Bowyer

Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival will feature a host of amazingly-skilled archery champions. Three World Champions, Kris "Makoa" Johnston, Jessica Garcia, and Jessica Corbett will be in attendance along with over 20 state and national champions of target, 3D and Flight archery, including 5 members of Team USA, representing Trad Tour Archery. 

These champions will be easy to spot as they will be wearing official jerseys and their most treasured medals and awards. Feel free to ask any archer to regale you with the tale of how these accomplishments came to be - and ask them how you too can become an archer of Sherwood Forest Faire. 

Of course if you have archery medals of your own, please feel free to wear them proudly at this event!

Sherwood Forest Faire is home to Trad Tour Archery, who will be hosting the annual Archer's Toast at The Lionheart Tavern at 5:30 pm after the last arrow is loosed. Please join us as we reflect on the successes of this past year, the history of archery at Sherwood, and celebrate the year to come. This toast is open to all archers or fans of archery, past present, and future.

For those interested in participating in the Tournament, rules and entry requirements can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1894109747480756/

Celtic Union

Andy and Barbara Spear, Celtic Union, have been playing Celtic music since the 1970s. Meeting at a Burns Night gathering in 1975 where Andy was piping and Barbara was playing fiddle, Autoharp, and singing, they literally became a union in 1984. They have played Irish, Scottish, English, and old Appalachian folk music over the years and now, being two retired special education teachers, they continue playing for pleasure at events such as Stonehenge Celtic festival, session groups, local restaurants, and volunteer activities. Barbara’s singing voice is rounded out by Autoharp and piano, and Andy’s bodhran, fiddle, and Scottish small pipes provide solo variety. Seek them out at the Three Stags Pub.



Cleghorn

These invigorating artists have played at Sherwood many times and they never disappoint! Led by a father and son team, John and Dylan Cleghorn, this family is in the business of rockin’ your argyle socks off! Bask in the cascade of high-energy performances these hot-shot musicians offer on Friday night at the Greenwoode Theatre. Cleghorn’s music is all-original from “Young Free and Celtic” to “Nine minutes of WOO!” This December you are sure to become an instant Cleghorn fan for life – or you’ll remember why you already are one!



David O'Leary

If you have spent much time at Sherwood Forest then you have heard David O’Leary belting out tunes at Sherwood Forest Faire, Sherwood Celtic Festivals, and Sherwood Summer Camps. This tireless troubadour has been near and dear to our hearts here in this forest for 10 years, and soon he plans to take some time to enjoy the festivals as a patron, casting off the mantle of Alan A Dale, the Merry Band character he has embodied for a short eternity at our Spring festival. His performances at The Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival this year will be the swan song of his decade of dedication to these shows. Thank you, David for the countless hours of musical communion you have shared with us. David O’Leary will be playing throughout Saturday at the Three Stags Pub, sometimes as one-half of the Irish duo “McKee and O’Leary”.



Earl Grey in the Morning

Earl Grey in the Morning is a violin and guitar duo based in Houston, TX. Their diverse and meticulous talents combined, Kristen Jensen and Al Cofrin offer their own recipe of Celtic, Jazz, Folk, and original music. Earl Grey in the Morning brings you music that touches on many different genres including Classical, Jazz, Ragtime, and Celtic. As a duo, the guitar and violin combination can produce a surprising amount of music with amazing complexity and texture. Find this amazing duo at The Lionheart Tavern and at the Greenwoode Theatre where they will lead a Breton Music and Dance Review in the middle of the day with one last fiery set there near day’s end.

Ed Miller

If you are looking for nostalgic, Brigadoonish schlock, this is NOT your man. But if you like good songs sung well, with a healthy mixture of realism and humor, you’ve come to the right place. Ed first learned his craft in the pubs and clubs of Edinburgh during the folk revival days of the 1960s and his repertoire shows the width of that movement. From old traditional ballads and timeless songs of Robert Burns to contemporary songs of urban change, emigration, nationalism, and humor, a performance by Ed Miller gives a real taste of Scotland and shows his continuing love and knowledge of his homeland. Don’t be surprised, however, if he draws musical connections between the old country and his adopted home in Texas. Sit awhile with this deep file of musical knowledge and Celtic charm at the Greenwoode Theatre on Saturday.



Emlyn Drake

Emlyn Drake has been studying violin since the age of three and while she is classically trained, she has a particular fondness for Celtic fiddle. She has been performing locally around the Austin area for many years, appearing at the Domain, the Round Rock Outlets, the Texas Farmers Market at Mueller, The Texas Renaissance Festival in the fall, and Sherwood Forest Faire in the Spring. She has also appeared at the Old Fiddlers reunion in Athens, Texas and at Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, Texas. Her repertoire includes Irish jigs and Scottish airs, as well as a few movie favorites. Emlyn will help us kick off the weekend’s festivities on Friday night. Saturday you’ll find her at The Argosy Stage and the Three Stags Pub, sawing those strings and kicking up her heels!

The Free Company Mercenaries

These Medieval marauders have been practicing with weapons and sports for many years at Sherwood Forest. Come join them for action-packed adventure, sword fighting, mercenary training, and all-out melees! They’ll be at the Burgalouse Arena near the Seven Sisters Stone Circle throughout the day on Saturday.

The Goode Folk

This curious bunch of Celtic troubadours has played at Sherwood many times but under a different banner. Let’s see if you true Sherwood fans can figure out their hidden identities. These gifted artists make music in the living tradition, especially of the British Isles and Ireland. Enjoy this unique and varied band of true bohemians, dedicated to their musical adventures. You’ll find them recreating themselves at the Villager’s Square Stage on Saturday. Stick to Music!

HUP!

HUP! is Houston’s premier traditional Irish band. Members are Matt Lewis (guitar, flute, whistles, and vocals), Robert Shaddox (vocals, bodhran), Larry Mallette (flute, whistles), Tess Hartis (fiddle, vocals), and their newest addition, Katie Geringer (fiddle, vocals). Their driving dance tunes will set your feet to tapping and their gorgeous ballads will warm your heart. This rockin’ Trad Irish band will keep you moving at the Greenwoode Theatre on Saturday.

The Joy of Scottish Dance

Experience the Joy of Scottish Dance at the Seven Sisters Sacred Stone Circle! With half a lifetime of traditional Scottish country dance under her belt, Kate Walker is ready to get you moving and laughing. She earned her teaching certificate from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in 2008 and has danced - and taught - in Europe and across North America. Enjoy the teamwork of this social dance form that combines historical roots with modern creativity. Kate will be scheduled several times throughout Saturday at the Stone Circle near the Front Gate.

Kirkin' o' the Tartan

On Saturday morning Rev. Jay Vocelka (Monk Michael) will hold a Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan at Maid Marian’s Chapel. This blessing to honor friends who’ve passed dates back to a time when Scottish traditions were banned in Scotland herself by her oppressors. All are welcome to join and all who do are invited to bring a swath of your own Tartan to hold as we recall the lives of our loved ones.



Misty Posey

Misty Posey is a high soprano singer-songwriter with astonishingly pure vocals. Her voice goes from what listeners call “fairy-like” and “angelic” to powerful high notes, in a seamless blend of old-world Celtic, classical, and contemporary music, crossing genres with a style she owns. Nick-named “Opera-girl,” Misty released her debut album of Celtic/Classical Crossover songs in December 2018 and toured festivals nationwide. Renaissance and Celtic Festivals filled her performance schedule as she continued adding sean-nós and traditional songs to her sets, and she began to be known as “Texas' Celtic Woman.” She welcomes you to the Lionheart Tavern on Saturday to hear her musical magic.



O'Malarkey

Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival is overjoyed to welcome O’Malarkey back to our faire forest. You’ll find them at the Lionheart Tavern on Saturday afternoon. 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!

Opal and Jade: Off-Colored Treasures

18+ show

Sherwood's Favorite bawdy singing sisters return to Sherwood Celtic Fest this season, after crashing the party last season with an impromptu late performance at Three Stags Pub! LOL! So we asked them to come do it again for Yuletide this year! Let Opal and Jade finish your night off with bawdy songs of saucy adventures and affairs of the heart.  One showing only at The Three Stags Pub.

Piper Gunn

Playing bagpipes for 30 years, instrumentalist Piper Gunn brings the sounds of the Scottish Highlands to you during our Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival. Enjoy classic melodies from Scotland and festive Christmas tunes while raising a mug to toast Piper Gunn's original music as you follow the sound of bagpipes across various stages throughout the festival Saturday. And ever seeking to deepen his knowledge of bagpipes, be sure to ask him about his new piping venture branded Kenneth Gunn Bagpipes as he learns to build expertly crafted bagpipes for future pipers and audiences to enjoy!

PLANTEC

Formed in 2002, PLANTEC joins Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival for their debut appearance in the USA! This one-of-a-kind Breton trio embodies an untamed energy, wild and primitive dance music, and a completely immersive show with sounds from the 4 corners of the world… They are major representatives of contemporary Breton music and pioneers of ‘mapping’ or use of video in live performance. They create hybrid acoustic music - an artistic sound and vision based on original compositions whilst maintaining the DNA of tradition as their trademark, adding a uniquely modern vision. With their powerful stage presence, the trio unites dancers of all generations in a ground-trembling, trance-like fusion. A ‘fest noz’ in four dimensions! They’ll hold court at the Greenwoode Theatre all weekend with a smashing debut performance on Friday night and shows throughout the day Saturday, with a fiery finale featuring the amazing fire performers of Solar Rain!



Port O'Thority

Performing on Saturday at the Three Villager’s Square Stage, Port O'Thority is a musical journey of Celtic, Pirate, and World Folk influences with music and stories celebrating our past, mourning our losses, and looking forward to who we will become. Welcome to the Port O’Thority show! Sláinte!



Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus

This year Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival welcomes one of the most famous duos ever to perform anywhere! They’ve had more appearances than any other duo in history - In fact, good or bad, they’ve probably visited your house a time or two. That’s right, Santa himself and his loooong lifetime companion, Mrs. Claus, will join us for daylight hours on Saturday at the Grove Stage gazebo near the Front Gate. Come tell Santa what you want and plead your case if you are at all concerned about which list he’s got you on. Santa wants to chat with each and every one of you, so please know that there is no charge for talking, sitting, or taking pictures with Santa.



Scottish Highland Games

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to toss a telephone pole end over end? Well, we hadn't either until we saw the Scottish Highland Games. Now we can't get enough! These intense traditional competitions will last all day and include the Scottish Hammer Throw, Shot Put, Weight over the Bar, the crowd favorite of Caber Toss, and much more. A World Champion may even show up! You never know what will happen in Sherwood Forest.

For those interested in competing in the games, please check out the Highland Games at Sherwood Forest Faire website for more details and to REGISTER for the events!

Solar Rain Fire Dancers

The incredible troupe of fire dancers who rock Sherwood Castle each faire season return for the Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival to offer us an amazing fire finale at the end of Saturday night as they join our guests PLANTEC from Brittany for their finale set. Their dances will feature fire staff, fire fans, poi, fire-blowing, and many other flaming objects! Come for a great day of music and stay late at the Greenwoode Theatre for an explosive finale with SOLAR RAIN!



St. Thomas Alumni Pipes and Drums

The St. Thomas Alumni Pipe Band is a competitive Grade 1 bagpipe band based in Houston, TX. These are some of the most accomplished and technically advanced pipers in Texas, which means - in the World! These sharp-dressed pipers and drummers will play on Saturday at various locations around the festival grounds including the Highland Games arena, the front gate, and the Lionheart Tavern.



Thomas "Doc" Grauzer

Thomas “Doc” Grauzer plays harp music of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods on modern lever- and historical wire-strung Irish harps. He joined us at the Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival for the first time last year and we are very glad to see him return to the Lionheart Tavern.



Whiskey on a Sunday {Floggin' Molly Tribute Band}

Whiskey on a Sunday is Texas’ premier (and only) Flogging Molly cover band. They bring the high-energy Celtic punk you know and love! Although their main focus is Flogging Molly music, they also play songs from The Decembrist’s, Dropkick Murphy’s, and original tunes all their own. They hail from Austin, Tx and frequently play Irish Pubs like Kelley’s and other venues. Sherwood Forest is overjoyed to welcome these rollicking revelers back for this year’s Celtic festivities! They’ll be overwhelming you at the Argosy Stage throughout the day on Saturday.

The Yokes

The Yokes are four aspiring Celtic foot-stompers who have been bringing lively versions of Celtic favorites to hard-drinkin’ joints like B.D. Riley’s in downtown Austin. They’ll be the bad kids over on the Argosy Stage throughout the day Saturday, just to prove that traditional Irish music mixes just fine with Irish Rock-n-Roll. Please welcome these wild rovers for their first appearance at Sherwood!