Cavallo Equestrian Arts riders were truly born to perform. With six generations of circus bareback acrobatic skills under his belt, director Olissio Zamperla Zoppe has created two breathtaking shows for this year's Faire. Our full contact Joust features battle weight lances and shields, and pulse-pounding, no holds barred battle that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The knights compete as well in the games of the Tournament, displaying their skills at the Quintain, Rings, Capture the Flag and the Gauntlet. Our second show, Gypsy Horse Performance, is a gypsy themed equestrian performance that includes daredevil cossack riding, horseback juggling and truly unbelievable acrobatics. For pictures and video clips, visit our web site: Cavallo Equestrian Arts

The Rogues - Smokin’ bagpipes and driving percussion only begins to describe a Rogues performance. Heart stirring music, performed like only The Rogues can, will make your experience unforgettable. Everyone becomes a Scot during a Rogues’ show, and watch out, you might be moved to jump up and dance before it’s over. Through their high-spirited and moving music, humour, and the best set of knees this side of the Tweed, The Rogues create a Celtic joyride with their blend of Scottish bagpipes and drums. http://www.therogues.com/

Alexander James Adams - Unleashed from the land of Fae comes the heir to Heather Alexander’s music and magic. AJ Adams is a fiery Celtic fiddler with a compelling voice to enchant audiences of all ages. With songs and stories of the otherworld, Alexander James inspires his audiences to make their dreams come true and look for the wonders within. From tender love songs to rowdy brawls, gentle Irish airs to rockin’ reels, AJ brings ancient legends to the mortal world in true bardic style, proving once and for all, the magic never dies! “From Dragon’s flame and ire will come forth Phoenix fire, and we will hear the song once more!” --Life’s Flame, Heather Alexander.

Squire of the Wire - Amazing Feats of Comedy is the description of this hilarious show for adults (and kids) which features outrageous stunts, juggling of dangerous knives and fire, and the world’s only kilted high-wire walker performing directly over the audience. It is dangerously funny! www.michaelrosman.com

Thomas Wood - The Pyro Juggler - Skill and Danger! This hilarious show will tantalize your senses and tickle your funny bone as Thomas juggles torches, knives, bowling balls, crystal balls, full glasses of water, clubs and your hearts! He is renowned as a contact juggling specialist where crystal balls seem to float effortlessly over his body! This charismatic hodgepodge of comedy also includes fire eating, blowing, transferring, fire staff, and a finale that literally leaves an explosive mushroom cloud that sucks the oxygen out of the audience! http://pyrojuggler.net

Brotherhood of Oceanic Mercenaries Cannons will Roar! Cutlasses will Clash! Jigs will be Danced and Shanties will be Sung! Enjoy lively performances and theatrical re-enactments by the notorious crew of the "Emerald Rose". This fun-loving band of scallywags will raise your spirits in song and thrill your senses with suspense and intrigue; charmin' their way into your good graces all the while. "So batten down yer hatches, stow yer wenches and ...Prepare to be Boarded!!!" www.boompirates.com

Celt Check got together as a group for the first time several years ago in an alehouse at a Ren Faire. We had all been playing as singles for many years, but the ale was good and we started jamming on some of the songs that we all knew. Well, the crowd seemed to like what we were doing, and then someone yelled, "Hey, you guys should be a band!" We bought him a drink and then sat down to discuss this idea. After a couple more ales we decided that he was right and we'd give it a try and here we are. www.celtcheck.com

Shakespeare’s Bloody Bits - When the playwright’s away, the players will play! London’s theaters are closed. Will Shakespeare is off plying his patrons with poetry. And Richard Tarleton, comedian and sword master for the Globe Theater, must take the players on the road. What happens when you mix the “World’s Greatest Actor”, a professional Villain, the stage’s clumsiest swordsman, and a suspiciously feminine boy player, along with 60 deaths in 30 minutes? Shakespeare’s Bloody Bits! Come along as Tarleton tries to keep order and the cast from killing each other as the merry band fights their way through “the best parts” of Shakespeare, without all those “words, words, words…” Spirited swordplay, fractious comedy, and witty Shakespearean parody at a lightning pace. If you like Shakespeare, you’ll love this show. If you hate Shakespeare, then this is revenge for having to read him in school!

Mas Uda Dancers, from the Olympia area, are known for the fun they have on stage (and off!) They meet on Thursdays at Dance Directions. The group encompasses all ages, occupations and all experience and skill levels. They dance for the fun it brings to them and to their audience and they have become friends through their dance. Mas Uda hosts an annual day of workshops and evening performance as a benefit for children’s charities – the first weekend in April. They teach all levels of classes

Unicorn Tales brings Celtic and Norse myth to life with short plays designed for children of all ages. Most plays are based on some aspect of existing myths and include at least one choreographed sword fight using real weapons. The actors often bring a new twist to the tales by inviting the audience to participate. Visit their web site at: http://www.unicornphobia.com/

Guild of Saint Brigid - Your face is new and your manner strange to us. Do you come from a far off land? No great matter, we welcome all in our village. Come ye and sit by the warmth of our hearth, share a tale if you have one, or listen to one of mine if you do not. This is our village, this is our hearth, Saint Brigid is our patron saint and in her name we bid you welcome. http://stbrigidshearth.googlepages.com/home

Candice Taylor is an extraordinary Highland dancer and upcoming actress who graces the Washington Renaissance Faire from time to time. This year Candice will be performing around the faire sites on the weekends of August 11th and the 18th.

Master of Ceremonies Alitor of Clan Brickhome This will be Alitor's third year serving the queen and the joust. Known for his loud voice and, well, barbaric manner, the audience would be wise to heed his warnings to cheer for their favorite knight. Despite his larger-than-life image, Alitor is truly soft at heart. After the jousts look for him in his tent on the faire commons, always ready for a picture or to greet a young squire. More information available at http://www.unicornphobia.com

Traveling Queen of the Bards and Tricky Pixie frontwoman S. J. Tucker comes to the Faire to delight all who'd hear her songs and stories of curious critters, pirate lasses, and seafaring satyrs: this is adventurous and timeless music for brave girls and Lost Boys of all shapes and sizes, brought to you by a voice as sweet and strong as honey mead, played deftly on guitars and drums by a confident lady who's sure to be stolen off to Faerie at any moment, with her Pixie ways--or it may be that she already knows her way around the Bright Lands just fine, considering the stories she tells, and the shadowy wings you can just see behind her as she sings! Hearts will be stolen, laughter will ring, and Alligators will tango! Come and hear the magic for yourself! More information: http://www.skinnywhitechick.com or http://www.trickypixie.com

Academia della Spada - Academia della Spada of Seattle teaches 16th Century sword fighting techniques as they have been recreated from extant fighting manuals and treatises of the era. We are not a stage-fighting school nor a reenactment group. Our study is an active process, requiring research the fruits of which are then tested on the field. The Academy focuses on the duel between armed civilian opponents.
www.rapieracademy.com

Erwilian originated as an extracurricular experiment at a Seattle-area high school when Scott Melton, an English teacher, would gather at lunchtime with several students to work on Renaissance music to perform at school Christmas concerts. As time went by, the group evolved from performing strictly Christmas music to a broader spectrum, which eventually led to the formation of the band. The ensemble classifies its music as "Organic Acoustic," and boasts an extensive repertoire spanning from early music to contemporary folk. With the raw energy Erwilian brings to the stage, audiences can always expect an exciting live performance! See their web site at www.erwilian.com

Blood, Love & Rhetoric - Blood, Love & Rhetoric, a professional living-history ensemble, offers its exceptional blend of educational and delightful immersion into the world of Elizabethan England. This troupe of musicians, actors, and historians entertains with historical instruments in the dazzling finery of the high court. From the elegance of Dowland and Campion to the bawdry of the popular broadsides, they have been enchanting audiences with the brilliance of the golden age of Good Queen Bess since 1993. Welcome to 1590!

Hawke and Cedric, the Bedlam Bards, play aggressively loud, sweaty, foot-stomping music on guitar, fiddle, mandola, bones, bodhran, strumstick, and kazoo. Catch their bawdy song show if you’d like to laugh your bottom off, and hear their sit-down set for sweet, moving ballads

MarCher - music from the Heart, especially for the Soul, Marty and Cheryl Johnson have been performing together for over 15 years, entertaining at Renissance Faire's and S.C.A. events since 1995. The music is soft and easy, sometimes romantic, even if the the story is sad. where as, at other times it reflects the actions of the times. Feel free to join in, enjoy the feeling of pleasure the sharing of a song can bring. Marty is an accomplished portraiture artist who upon your request would be most pleased to render your image on the pages of antiquity.

The Forgotten Celts are the band that time forgot. The members are mostly lost and wandering through the world looking for nothing in particular but planning on throwing one huge party when they find it. They focus mainly on traditional Irish music with a lot of other traditional tunes from areas located throughout Europe and North America. With a broad selection of music, from sea shanties to traditional ballads, the Forgotten Celts are sure to get your feet tapping and hands clapping!

Kumpania Paramitsha - Founded in 2000, the Kumpania Paramitsha is a group of talented performers portraying the Romany (or Gypsy) peoples during the 16th century. The Kumpania is made up of musicians, dancers, singers, fortune tellers, fire performers, acrobats and story tellers. The Kumpania are dedicated to recreating the gypsies of the Renaissance through culture, customs, language and of course music and dance.

Red Hugh's Rebel Tymes' Red Hugh was born into an Irish Catholic family, rich with Irish culture and tradition. After listening to the stories of Ireland's struggle for independence from his ma and da, it is no mistake that Red Hugh stresses music from the Emerald Isles. His music was born in the heart of the Irish rebellion, with songs like the "Rising of the Moon" and "Back Home In Derry". Red Hugh's unique approach to his music will remind you of the pain and despair the Irish have gone through in their fight for freedom.

James the Obscure... an itinerant teller of traditional tales. Ancient tales from the Norse and from the Celts ( and from whatever else resonates) are heard in the land. Of hero's and of gods as well as strong minded women, of wisdom, deception, and might. The old tales show us the heart and mind of the ancient peoples from which they sprang. The tales of James the Obscure are heard around campfires, in the taverns and at wedding feasts.

Harley LaQuinn (played by magician Matthew Van Zee), a brightly colored harlequin jester of renaissance Europe, easily recognized as the tallest man of the land topping out at over 9 feet tall from the bottom of his feet to the tip of his hat. Watch him as he nimbly cavorts around the faire getting himself into and out of the smallest spaces greeting fairgoers with his uplifting laughter accompanied by his pocket sized brownie Hannah, who is always mischievously rearranging his bag of tricks, you never know what will happen with the two of them around. When you see him don't forget to say Hi to Hannah!

Matthew Van Zee The Traveling Mage - Bringing forth the Magic Realms of Fantasy. Opening windows into other worlds with his storytelling and magic. It is rumored he has been to the sacred places of Avalon and Shangri-La. Visiting Professor to many of the top wizarding schools; specializing in Talismans and Charms. With the aid of the fey and borrowing the help of Harley's brownie Hannah, Matthew Van Zee will be gracing the children's stage with magic to enchant all. With over 20 years of experience he has entertained hundreds of thousands of people across the United States as well as people from around the world. He has elated auciences at many fairs and festivals. For more information please visit: www.vanzeemagic.com

BOWI - Kickin Celtic Music - For years, Seattle based BOWI has been entertaining audiences with a blend of traditional Celtic music and unique energy. The BOWI sound encompasses a wide range of music including driving Jigs and Reels, exciting vocals, and beautiful ballads. An incredibly flexible and adaptive group, BOWI has performed at everything from Pubs and local faires, to private parties and weddings. Acoustic or "Plugged in", BOWI has never failed to get the hands clapping and feet stomping. For more information please visit: www.bowiband.com

SilverStrings - A classy Celtic fiddler and her rogue husband began to play beautiful music together one summer evening several years ago. So they started performing music with The Society for Renaissance Performers as SilverStrings. Mike and Diane will fill the valley and hills with their renditions of lovely Celtic music, jigs, reels, waltzes, hornpipes and airs for your pleasure and enjoyment. Dancing is always welcome!

Gypsy Realm Productions - Gypsy Realm Productions - With laughter and flare Gypsy Realm productions proudly presents some of the best beloved fairy tales of all times. Performed with marionettes and live performer's, You will laugh, cry and maybe even sing along with these unique and eventful players as they bring you the tales of Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Rumpistilskin. Fun for all ages, from 2 to 92, tales for the truly young at heart!

ZINGER'S ROYAL MAGICK - Thinking adults (who comfortably bring their children) entertainingly discover "everything at this faire is real and everything is not real" when half a dozen talented performers and surprise guest artists present "Royal Magick's New Worlds Tour ... continued." Returning for the 11th year, award winning Zinger, the Magick and his Royal Magick troupe again demonstrate that they are the premier stage magic show for renaissance faires. "Unbelievable" is what audiences say and again they find something new to talk about. Enter into the world of ancient thought as something vanishes into nothing and nothing fills the stage with something. As close as you can get, discover the guarded secret of a classic explained in detail, gasp as courage combines with cooking in a death defying manner, marvel how penetrating curiosity can be, and chuckle through a dozen effects in forty five minutes. Don't worry how or why it's done, sit back and enjoy Royal Magick four times daily on the Royal Magick stage. http://www.royalmagick.com/

Alamanda will entertain you with music from the Age of Minstrels and Troubadours on instruments common to the era. Be entranced with the haunting sounds of Gemshorns and rustic melodies played on Hurdy-gurdies and Renaissance Bagpipes. Dance to the joyous sounds of recorders and cornamuses and the beat of Pipe and Tabors. The modern Trobairitz Joanne Andrus and Katie Roe have been performing their wandering minstrel act at various faires in the Northwest for several years. They love to educate interested faire-goers about the wonders of Medieval and Renaissance music and the often unique and rarely seen instruments. Look for them wandering about the Faire.

The Sherwood Renaissance Singers of Sherwood Oregon Perform Madrigals with Laughter and some tears, please join them for memorable entertainment.

Robin Hood and St. George & The Dragon, with Patrick Franz
Children are the stars of these shows. Six volunteers from the audience play the heroes, heroines and villains in these classic tales narrated by Robin Hood himself! The entire audience gets to join in the fun by cheering, booing and adding sound effects to the stage action. Fun for kids of all ages.

The Poor Sisters
Sisters Audra and Mara Poor and sister-in-spirit Trinity Sokol formed The Poor Sisters in early 2006 out of pure love for the Irish - Scottish history, culture, and the truly “soul music” that connects this rich heritage to centuries of struggle, suffering and revolution. The depth of the experience of the Celtic people can be heard in all of their original arrangements, from the joyful and driving jigs and reels, the old-world sound of the rare Irish pipes, to the stirring vocals by lead singer Trinity. This youthful group will provide audiences with refreshing, exciting and memorable musical experiences and will speak to the heart of the Irish and Scottish in all of us.

Jeffery the Jongular
Japes, Tricks, and Diverse Amusements For Your Entertainment and Pleasure” Return to the past and behold magic performed Renaissance style – in the street. Verily, may you wandering find Jeffery about the faire ready to entertain at but a moment’s notice. Yea, thou shalt see wonderment and mystery cloaked in playful repartee. Watch the consuming of matter into nothingness. Behold the transubstantiation of one object to another. Experience alarm during the performance of the Most Dangerous Feat Known in Conjuring. Set thy eyes upon wonders beyond description. And for the asking, Jeffery discourses on the rarefied status of the jongular in Medieval and Renaissance culture. All this for your entertainment and pleasure!