Faire News

Living History Podcast

Escarlata — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:59:06 +0000

I made a roadtrip last weekend to Louisiana to see fairemily. Knowing that it would be almost 24 hours of driving with only the sweet company of my favorite pup, I searched for things to listen to. I had a podiobook by J. D. Sawyer that would last about 15 hours, so had a good start.

I’d come across the Living History Podcast several weeks ago and it sounded interesting. There were 29 episodes available and I knew that would be more than enough to get me home. Everything was downloaded and burnt to CD and I was ready to go.

The book was great but what I want to talk to you all about is the Living History podcasts. Many who read FaireNews enjoy the dress up and role playing aspects of Faire. Some of you go so far as to become a member of cast or a guild. While the podcasts are geared specifically toward those who are re-enacting historical characters, they are by no means limited to that audience.

I have no interest in trying to be historically accurate. That didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying the discussions, topics and interviews presented by Stephen and Alena. So far, I’ve listened to the first eleven episodes. They’ve discussed surviving an event, starting a new group, historical combat and clothing, as well as presenting three interviews including one with Mike Bollow, ReenactorFest promoter.

Now that I’m back from the road trip, I’m continuing to listen as I exercise each morning. Everything may not apply to me but it’s presented in an interesting manner and it’s a chance to learn something about a new topic. The only thing better would be … seeing you at Faire!

PS. Do you listen to podcasts and podiobooks? Have you got any recommendations for us?

Fabricholic’s Dream Yard Sale

Escarlata — Sun, 16 May 2010 15:06:40 +0000

Toronto, Canada

Do you dream of yard sales? Does you theory of life include the precept that the largest fabric stash wins? Do you long to rummage through other people’s stuff, looking for that perfect piece to finish off a long dreamed of project?

If you’re anywhere near Toronto on Friday or Saturday, May 28th and 29th, you’ve got a chance to bring those ideas together at the Textile Museum of Canada’s “More than a Yardage Sale.”

The annual event was the brainstorm of the Museum’s volunteers who turn out to man this major fund-raising project. Available items include yardages, yarns, patterns, quilt fabrics, notions and crafts.

If you’re not going to be in the area, check with your local museums and theaters to see if a similar program exists. Over the last two months, I’ve talked with several people who attended these types of events and came away very pleased with their bargains.

RESCU Conference Call

Escarlata — Fri, 14 May 2010 01:55:29 +0000

Here’s your chance to ask the governing board of the RESCU Foundation any questions you have about how it works.

If you’ve ever had a worker pass to get in to a Renaissance Festival, this call is for you. Thanks for all you, and RESCU, do to bring us the Joy of Faire!

Looking forward to John LeVique Pirate Days

Escarlata — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:40:12 +0000

Florida

In just over a month (Jun 11-13), John’s Pass in Madeira Beach, Florida, will again be over run with pirates of every description for the John LeVique Pirate Days Festival. Most of the activities on Saturday & Sunday are free. This will be my fifth year attending the event and I’m looking forward to seeing old friends, celebrating birthdays, and enjoying some grog.

The three day event is used to promote hurricane awareness. It’s a good chance to learn about the devastation that can occur during a storm; ways to keep your family and home safe; and how local agencies prepare for recovery in the aftermath of a hurricane. I hear they’re going to have all the information located in an air conditioned expo tent. Sounds like a great place to learn new things when you need a break from the sun.

The weekend begins Friday evening with the Pirates Ball, an adults only event. The Brigands, a popular pirate band from the northeast, brings their own special brand of Sea Shanties and pirate tales to the Holiday Isles Elks Lodge. Pull your pirate finery from the sea chest for the costume contests and check out the silent auction for a chance at some booty. There’ll be grub and grog available. I’ve never found the “Kiss a Pirate” or gaming tables in years past and plan to be on this lookout for them this time around.

Saturday and Sunday’s schedules are still being finalized at this time. The Brigands have several shows scheduled; a Family Treasure Hunt for families is being planned; and the ever popular Pirate’s Pub Crawl (adults only) is in the works. The West Coast Mutineers are completing the choreography and practicing their Fight Circle and Beach Brawl shows. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a copy of today’s St Pete Times, look for the picture from this weekend’s fight practice.

The weekend events are held at the John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk and the local business participation is strong. Area hotels and condos often run specials for those who want to spend the whole weekend. Local bars and restaurants get in on the festivities by sponsoring the PubCrawl tokens and offering discounts on meals.

Our room is booked across the street from the boardwalk, the cats’ nanny is scheduled, and everything is on track for a great weekend. The only thing left to do is make sure we have enough Sun-X towelettes on hand and figure out which pieces of garb we want to wear.

Whether you’re looking for something fun to do for one day or plan to spend the whole weekend, you’ll find plenty of fun and piratey trouble to get in to. Come on out and … we’ll see you at Faire!

PS. The pictures are from the 2008 & 2009 shows.

PubSing at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival

Escarlata — Fri, 07 May 2010 00:20:33 +0000

Florida

Tampa’s Bay Area Renaissance Festival closes each day with a PubSing, usually held at the largest gathering place available. For the last two years, that has been in the seating area of the Flagship Pub. It’s a logical choice, given its location just inside the main gate.

Bay Area RenFest’s PubSing is a final chance to see many of the musicians and dancers who perform throughout the shire each day. It’s not unusual to see members of many bands playing together in a kind of jam session. The talented Demzarah Gypsies were entertaining us when this picture was taken, with Jen Shumilak providing additional accompaniment on his mandolin. It’s hard to see in the background but CDs from the various groups are displayed for sale.

Even the Royal Court gets into the spirit of things as the day comes to a close. Either King Henry VIII or Queen Catherine Parr will thank us for attending and bid us farewell. They encourage our exit with the thought that “in order to come again another day, we must first leave on this day.”

Pub Sing is a great place to meet for a final Huzzah, find your friends, catch one more show, and then head for the gate.

Does your Faire have a final show like Bay Area Ren Fest’s PubSing? Tell us about it and just maybe … we’ll see you at Faire!!

PhotogTag Fun with the new camera

Escarlata — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 02:44:13 +0000

We finished the Bay Area Renaissance Festival with 12,000 pictures taken in 5 weeks. I’m thinking the Ranger’s having a good time with the new Canon 50D we got him.

One of his favorite things is to capture other photographers in the process of taking pictures. He sometimes adds to the game, trying to get pictures of them taking pictures of him. He even managed to accidentally capture a picture of himself taking a picture.

Here’s a sample of some of our photographer friends *chuckling*

Hector Steward (IMG_2781)

Rogue Scribe (IMG_2678)

NoBill Lurker (IMG_9219)

Risn MCrack (IMG_2184)

NoBill Lurker (IMG_4838)

Chris (IMG_3673)

Leinad (IMG_3666a)

Pat (IMG_3191)

Quiet One aka Diane (IMG_2867)

Rogue Scribe (IMG_2666)

Get out there and take pictures and … we’ll see you at Faire!!

Queen’s College at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Escarlata — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:42:46 +0000

California

The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire, going on now through May 23th in Irwindale, is hosting a series of Queen’s College Workshops. The online catalog lists 24 different arts that can be learned. From Embroidery to Painting, Chain Mail to Woodcarving, they’ve got a little bit of everything. There are even a couple of classes designated wholly for children.

Taught under the auspices of the nonprofit educational organization, the NorCal Institute for Renewal of Past Arts and the Artist, these classes are designed to teach about renaissance period crafts and trades. There are both drop-in 1-2 hours classes where you begin when you get there and scheduled classes that have specific beginning and ending times. Fees range from $3 to $25 and include the supplies needed to complete the project.

Check out the catalog and let us know if you take any classes. It’s something I’d like to see at Faire!