Adrian Krygowski
D.C.-claimed singer/songwriter Adrian Krygowski started abusing the acoustic guitar back in early 2003. Influenced by rock, jazz and folk music, the Wisconsin native's unique percussive sound transcends the all-too-popular 2000’s sound and tunes ears from across US and UK. Adrian's east coast band, The Differents, has graced the local DC stages of IOTA, Rock and Roll Hotel, DC9, Comet Ping Pong, Galaxy Hut, and many more. Adrian performs a stripped-down, family-friendly and intimate set that provides true entertainment.
www.myspace.com/TheAdrianOutfit

Ballet Petite and Youth Performing Arts School's Ballet Performance Company
Established in 2003, Ballet Petite and Youth Performing Arts School's Ballet Performance Company is a unique opportunity for Youth Performing Arts School students to perform. It is the goal of the Ballet Performance Company to provide each member with a nurturing yet professional environment in which to develop their performance skills, cultivate their artistry and expand their understanding of and appreciation for classical and contemporary ballet as an art form. Each company member brings a unique appreciation of elegance, beauty, grace and poise to the stage. The Ballet Performance Company performs two ballets annually: The Nutcracker in December and a Gala Performance in the spring. Past spring productions have included: Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, La Bayadere, Pas de Quatre, and Peter and the Wolf. Our spring performance this season is a ballet originally choreographed by George Balanchine entitled “Stars and Stripes.” The Ballet Performance Company is currently under the direction of Melissa P Carney.
www.balletpetite.com

Beale Street Puppets
Beale Street Puppets is a professional touring puppet company that has recently celebrated 22 years of performing across the United States and the world. Built especially for the 2008 Maryland Faerie Festival, "Fairy Caravan" is a musical marionette variety show with faeries, flowers, elves, pixies, a mermaid, a wizard, and other fantasy creatures performing to new age and fantasy music, culminating in the appearance of a dragon!
www.bealestreetpuppets.com

Bard of Stagg
Gretchen McMahon, Bard of Stagg, performs timeless tunes of the ancients and Fae on Guitar, Mandolin and a Celtic harp named "Sylph." From delicately crafted instrumentals with Celtic and Middle Eastern influences to rowdy, boisterous vocal tunes wrapped up in Irish charm, she spreads the mystery of myth and legend while enchanting audiences across the country.
myspace.com/gretchenmcmahon

Bill Mayhew (both days)
Bill Mayhew, Storyteller, has been telling stories in public for about thirty years in all sorts of places, including twelve states and the District of Columbia, and for kindergartners to senior citizens. He has told stories in colleges, around campfires, for Voice of America, at the Kennedy Center, birthday parties, and the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. Bill ran a cable television show for seven years devoted to storytelling and also delivers the occasional lecture on the subject. Bill tells folk tales for the most part, chosen from all around the world. His favorite stories are the humorous ones. He tells ghost stories and sad stories, and classics such as Beowulf and Odysseus, but mostly he likes the funny ones, and many of his "ghosties" are humorous. He has three cute grandchildren. He doesn't know what this has to do with anything but they really are cute so he likes to tell people (don’t be frightened, he doesn't carry pictures). Before Bill went into storytelling full time, he was a school librarian.

Caroline Kenner (both days)
Down in the woods you'll find her, an enchanting Lady with a deep and profound knowledge of the Fey and how to speak to them- to show them hospitality in a "faerie house" or to send them your hopes and dreams thru the thousands year old custom of "wishing trees". Drop by the Wishing Tree Area and let her help you create your own Faerie Tale in this world!
www.mythkenner.com/

Clam Chowder (Saturday)
Clam Chowder has been performing folk music at festivals and science fiction conventions in the DC area for over thirty years with a solid reputation of breathing new life into traditional music and making the most obscure songs familiar. They perform folk music of the British isles, sea chanties, music hall numbers, the odd rock piece, the even odder gospel number, and anything else that takes their fancy and allows for them to indulge their twisted tastes in lush harmonies and intricate instrumentation.
clamchowdermusic.com

Crystalooneys Creative Arts (both days)
is owned by "Queen Christalene the Queen of the Cily Court"a vibrant, energetic group that treats all people with kindness, and respect. We try to fulfill your requests or our skillful staff can create something mystical, magical and amazing on either your face or body. We utilize FDA approved paints made specifically for face and body painting. We also offer an amazing free hand Henna Art with GLITTER!, hair wraps, bracelets and glitter tattoos. We would like to present you with an experience that will put a big smile on your face! www.crystalooneys.com

Dance Afire
"The best burnin' DC has had since 1814". Dance Afire is a collective of professional artists and dancers who have come together to develop and promote the practice of accentuating the art of movement with the rich and beautiful spectacle of fire. From light atmospheric work to driven center-stage choreography, Dance Afire offers a unique and unforgettable performance element. Some of their more full-length performances include Nacho Fuego, a steampunk variety act that gives a peek into a circus master's magic box of unruly tricks; and Nvaras, a more classical pieces that explores the fusion of the ancient Greek myths of Prometheus and Paris.
www.myspace.com/danceafire

David LaFluer (both days)
From coffeehouses to festivals, vineyards to house concerts, David LaFleur has performed his solo brand of Folk-Appalachian, Blues, Bluegrass and humor for over 20 years. He is a two-time winner of the Australian Pacific Songwriting Competition, has performed at the Kennedy Center, and has received honors in 8 national songwriting contests. He has recently toured Scotland, singing and strumming on his dobro, dulcimer, mandolin and guitar. “...blisteringly good...This guy can play! ...a standout among the folk and Americana releases of the past year.” Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange "...from intimate and beautiful to absurdly funny. One minute you're in awe, and the next you're rollin' on the floor with laughter!" RiverHouse Concerts Shepherdstown, WV “...spellbound...wanted to hear more and more.” South Florida Folk Digest “...astonishing...an evening to celebrate.” Winchester Star, VA
www.davidlafleurmusic.com

DragonSong
DragonSong is an ensemble that defies definition. Their unique instrumentation bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. Guitar, bass, violin, exotic percussion, and vocal harmonies create the rich, vibrant, musical tapestry that is DragonSong. Their kaleidoscope of compositions are inspired by innovative songwriting, cerebral lyrics and a shared love for stretching musical boundaries. Moments of tranquility alternate with episodes of dynamic and aggressive musicianship. A sound as sure and satisfying as the ocean tide.
www.myspace.com/dragonsongband

Dragon Scales and Faerie Tales (DreamWeaver Productions)
An interactive family show that truly is a visual spectacle! You’ll see a real live baby dragon hatch before your eyes, helped along with a special magic word from his faerie godmother! On top of being entertaining, Dragon Scales and Faerie Tales presents a strong moral message about the acceptance of others. After each performance we offer a meet and greet so you can get your picture taken with the faerie and dragon!
www.ibelieveinfaeries.com

The Enchanted Wagon (DreamWeaver Productions)
Queen Tatiania of the Faeries has come to the aid of Corwin the Hedgehog who, along with his giant turtle Flash, has become lost and cannot find his way back to Faerie Land. Help them find their way home!
www.ibelieveinfaeries.com

Exentrik: Professional Showoffs
Exentrik performs an acrobatic variety show, featuring partnered acrobalance, fire manipulation (poi, staff, juggling and body transfers), contact and toss juggling. Putting a wide range of talents to use in a series of questionably good ideas, the acrobats of Exentrik are constantly finding new ways of subtly shouting "Hey, look at us!" Exentrik is a high energy, acrobatic and fire-filled duo, exactly the sort of performing mortals any Faerie Troupe would have kidnapped to while away the hours of eternity.
www.exentrikshowoffs.com/

Faerie Treasure Hunt Invitation (Both Days)
The twilight court welcomes kids of all ages to embark on a quest collecting what seems like mundane treasures, but which can be exchanges for a faerie treasure at the end (art donated by Jessica Galbreth).

Faerie Court (both days)
From the land of faerie we are visited by the Royalty of the Courts of Dawn and the Twilight Courts as well. Each court will lead a maypole dance, and host their own courts throughout the day.

Greenman March
Sponsored by the Blessed Order of the Greenman (BOG), a fraternal order dedicated to promoting the ancient concept of the Greenman. Come witness as the greenmen emerge from the woods to bless the festival, and encourage both community and respect for your environment.

Gypsy Nomads (Both days, Summerfest)
The Gypsy Nomads are known for their highly energetic performances. From dynamic guitar anthems, pounding drum jams and original French ballads delivered with a gypsy flair, their show is a whirlwind of guitars, tambourines, toms and tape loops. Collaborating since 2000, The Gypsy Nomads delivers an awe inspiring blend of Gypsy, Celtic, Medieval and Rock styles. The past few years have seen this national touring duo performing to captivated audiences from coast to coast. The Gypsy Nomads features songwriter, artist and veteran of the punk scene Scott Helland on guitar, drums, programmed and live loops and French artist/dancer Samantha Stephenson on percussion, drums and vocals. Their show is an inventive and unique mix of the modern and medieval creating a visually evoking sonic landscape in their unmistakable Gypsy-Nomads-style complete with Scott's hand drawn backdrops reminiscent of Edward Gorey. With their quirky humor and fiery energy, this gypsy and the punk are a bewitching duo. The Gypsy Nomads perform year round across the US and have shared festival stages with Candice Night of Blackmore's Night, drum and bagpipe band Albannach, Scotland's Clann an Drumma, Atlanta's Emerald Rose, Oregon's Woodland and New York's Voltaire. They have been featured performers at PA's Spoutwood Faerie Festival, Maryland Faerie Festival, NY's Sirius Rising Festival, FaerieCon, St Louis' Focal Point Folk Theatre, and at the International New Age Trade Show in Florida and Colorado. Their music has been featured in several independent films.
www.thegypsynomads.com

ilyAIMY (both days, Summerfest on Saturday night)
Percussive, finger-style acoustic guitar, tribal percussion and lush male-female harmonies are the signature of ilyAIMY (ill YAY'mee). The songs, a modern take on folk and roots music that includes elements of alternative rock, metal, country and R&B, have been recognized by some of the nation's most prestigious festivals and contests. ilyAIMY (i love you And I Miss You) has been called “a welcome jolt in folk,” and “a combustible attack on the usual singer-songwriter fare.” Often compared to a somewhat surprising blend of Rusted Root, acoustic Tool, Ani DiFranco, "Nickel Creek on crack" and the Muppets, their serious songwriting is offset by their wacky and well-versed sense of humor, and direct relationship with the audience.

Touring the country as the core duo of Rob Hinkal and Heather Lloyd since 2003, ilyAIMY has been bringing their passion, their vision and their unique humor to audiences from New Hampshire to Georgia to San Diego to Seattle and everywhere in between. Their 2006 release, "The Fifth Circle," has been released to reviews like this one from the Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange: "...acoustically roiling...well crafted, thoughtful songs ... stately and intuitive piano ... stirring percussive tumult ... and a hair-trigger vocal/lyrical integrity that you'll only hear here."
www.ilyaimy.com

Isabel Scop, Harpist
As Isabel Scop, Celtic Harpist, Susan Wilzer has performed at the Maryland Renaissance Festival since 1985. She has also performed at the Potomac Celtic Festival in Lessburg VA and at Maryland Historic houses, including the Charles Carrol house and the Riversdale Mansion.

Susan performs traditional tunes of Irish and Scottish origin including several Celtic "Faerie Tunes," which legend reputes were not composed by humans but overheard directly from the faeries.

Janet Spahr
Janet Spahr is happy to introduce her unique instrument, called a hang drum (pronounced "hong") to new audiences, who are always drawn to its distinct look and tranquil sounds. Listeners have called her performances mesmerizing, and describe the sounds of the hang as "tranquil, ancient, and spiritual". You can hear her CD, entitled Listen With Your Eyes Closed on iTunes and CD Baby if you search for her by name. Videos of her performances are available on her website or on YouTube. "The album succeeds wonderfully at achieving its goals: introducing a fascinating and beautiful instrument to new audiences and creating a restful, lulling musical experience." - Stephen Eddins (allmusic.com). Janet performs a combination of original and folk tunes on flute, shruti box, and the hang drum, whose otherworldy tones are known to be very soothing to the faeries.
spahrstudios.com

Jeremiah Wiggins
Joshua Safford is double agent Faerie and Renaissance festival performer. By day he is Jeremiah Wiggins close up magician, storyteller, and human ambassador to the faerie realm. While Jeremiah seems to be a human fantasy juke box his true agenda is educating folk in the needs of the little peoble and getting himself elected again. He is recognizable by his very large mushroom, the soap box upon which he stands. He also makes available to the public the faeries newspaper the Daily Crock.

By late afternoon Safford becomes the Raven, a black feathered bird man that flies on top of a ball using kung fu fans for wings. He swoops down and invites his audience into his world of eggstroardinary magic.

Joshua may be reached through his website
www.ravenstory.com

The Juggling Privateer
Fresh from the port of Sparrows Point, The Juggling Privateer charms audiences with jokes and riddles while juggling rings, balls, clubs and scarves.

Kiva (both days)
KIVA is a percussive, worldbeat ensemble that celebrates the magic of nature and ancient bardic traditions with music that opens the heart and heals the spirit. The band blends strong vocal harmonies with rich and diverse acoustic and electric instrumentation, performing originals, traditionals, and covers in a multi-layered style people have dubbed World Fusion or Mystical Folk. The musicians are inspired by many cultures, spiritual disciplines, and musical styles, including celtic-folk, folk-rock, blues, big band, traditional chants, and jazz.

KIVA, in one configuration or another, has been performing since 1989, making 2009 their 20th anniversary. KIVA’s focus has always been on heart and their philosophy has always been to create sacred space within their music for people to find their magical selves. With their music KIVA offers a way to the place where play and dance and song and heart are one. KIVA is based in the Washington DC metro area, and has been nominated fourteen times (so far) for the Washington Area Music (Wammie) Award.
kwww.ivasong.com

Maugorn The Stray (both days)
Maugorn The Stray (aka Steve Haug) has been a wandering minstrel and balladeer for most of his lives and offers an eclectic repertoire collected from many centuries in a kaleidoscope of styles and instruments. His favorite songs all contain a hint of Faerie Magick, and he'll sing your old favorites as well.

OCEAN Celtic Quartet (Sunday)
With their soaring Celtic vocals and electrifying instrumentals, the OCEAN Quartet blends Scottish and Irish tradition with power-pop, classical symphonic themes, and spine-tingling electronics. Known for marrying lighthearted exuberance with great spiritual depth, OCEAN has been called “Nothing short of spellbinding” by the Washington Post, and is garnering raves for their performances from East to West Coast. The OCEAN Quartet is led by composer/arranger JENNIFER CUTTING (accordion and keyboards), WAMA’s 2004 Musician of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Her all-star ensemble of the Washington, D.C. area's favorite Celtic musicians includes the stunning vocals of GRACE GRIFFITH (herself a multiple WAMMIE winner and Artist of the Year), award-winning bagpiper BOB MITCHELL, and the nationally renowned Baltimore fiddler ROSIE SHIPLEY. OCEAN’s exotic Celtic cocktail ranges from 18th-century traditional ballads to hot-off-the-press original songs, spiced up with their occasional quirky interpretation of a beloved pop song. Lose yourself in the dreamy reverie of a beautiful song, or groove to the propulsive beat of jigs and reels. It’s a marriage of otherworldly Celtic beauty and foot-stomping acoustic folk. There’s nothing else like it anywhere...OCEAN is Celtic Music for Ancient Moderns! www.oceanorchestra.com OCEAN is joined by special guests STEVE WINICK (vocals), TIM CAREY (pipes), and SEAN EARNEST (guitar and bouzouki).
www.oceanorchestra.com

 

The Raven (both days)
Joshua Safford is double agent Faerie and Renaissance festival performer. By day he is Jeremiah Wiggins close up magician, storyteller, and human ambassador to the faerie realm. While Jeremiah seems to be a human fantasy juke box his true agenda is educating folk in the needs of the little peoble and getting himself elected again. He is recognizable by his very large mushroom, the soap box upon which he stands. He also makes available to the public the faeries newspaper the Daily Crock.

By late afternoon Safford becomes the Raven, a black feathered bird man that flies on top of a ball using kung fu fans for wings. He swoops down and invites his audience into his world of eggstroardinary magic.

Joshua may be reached through his website
www.ravenstory.com

Rock Savage (both days)
A true renaissance man, Rock Savage is an independent filmmaker, storyteller and preschool teacher. He recounts faerie tales and magical tales such as "Custer The Dragon," "Baba Yaga" and many others with dynamic energy, adding his own humor.
www.savagefilmgroup.com

Sestraluna
Sestraluna is a professional dance troupe specializing in belly dance and world dance fusion. They aspire to entertain, educate and celebrate the art of dance, creativity and community through performances, instruction and community outreach. Each of their dancers brings to the troupe different backgrounds, talents, expertise and goals through which we all explore the world of dance. Sestraluna respects and celebrate those differences and encourages their dancers to expand their creativity, master technique, and grow in their dance with dedication, enjoyment and passion.
www.sestraluna.com

Shauna Burns
Anamnesis is pianist/singer/songwriter Shauna Burns' next work to be released under Red Rock Music in April 2009. This 5 song EP is the continuation of The Moon and the Fire Circle and the next step in her musical journey. Anamnesis, which means 'recollection' or 'remembrance', focuses on the senses that live in our memories. 'Music is a trigger for things we remember,' Shauna explains. 'Each of the songs on Anamnesis represents one of the senses.' The first song on the EP is titled 'Smell' ...its reference is obvious. 'A Letter' embraces the gift of sight, 'Wind' references touch, 'Driving Far' taste, and 'So Tell Me...' our sense of hearing. The new album is full of Shauna's trademark piano and vocals, James Clark on drums and percussion, Steve Lemmon on guitar and bass, Ryan Tilby on mandolin and dobro, Kiley Astle on violin and Steve Nelson on the cello.
Shauna's latest release in 2008, The Moon and the Fire Circle, was a fusion of the dark and light sides of the soul, a journey from the light to the dark and back to the light again. The Promise Live cheers: 'With her ethereal voice, spacious arrangements and lots of piano, you can't help but become enchanted with The Moon and The Fire Circle.' And Southwest Blend acclaims that 'Shauna Burns is a phenomenal talent, and the music on this album will take any listener on a journey that will connect one’s inner soul to the universe.' The journey continues...
Shauna's ethereal vocals and beautiful piano developed while growing up in Miami, Florida. Inspired by her mother's love for the piano, her songwriting thrived and when she headed west for college and her music met cheers and enthusiastic recognition. After receiving a bachelor's degree in Anthropology at the University of Utah, Shauna spent a year in Europe preparing her debut album. Released under Red Rock music in 2005 Every Thought was the foothold that lifted this talented pianist and singer to critical acclaim. 'Beautiful cascading piano [and] ethereal vocals… a new fangled fusion that will ignite a spark that will be hard to replicate. Perfect.' States Smother.net. Shauna's songwriting extension to Every Thought was her 2006 follow up EP release entitled, Desert Tune.
Shauna has embarked on multiple vigorous tours since 2006 with over 75 shows and appearances stretching from coast to coast in the U.S. and the U.K. More tour dates will be announced for 2009.
'Around You', the first single from The Moon and the Fire Circle, reached number 7 on the FMQB AC Chart, was one of WCH Radio's 'Top Songs for 2008' and reached number 1 on 'Song Vault Radio'. The Moon and the Fire Circle was selected 'Best of 2008' by Collected Sounds and The Promise Live. Radio Crystal Blue also chose Shauna as one of the 'Top Recording Artists of the Year 2008'.
www.shaunaburns.com

Sidhe Na Dair (Saturday)
Award-winning author Danielle Ackley-McPhail has worked both sides of the publishing industry for nearly fifteen years. Her works include the urban fantasy Yesterday's Dreams; its sequel, Tomorrow's Memories (Mundania Press); the upcoming novella, The Halfling’s Court: A Bad-Ass Faerie Tale (Marietta Publishing); the anthologies, Bad-Ass Faeries, Bad-Ass Faeries 2: Just Plain Bad (Marietta Publishing), and No Longer Dreams, (Lite Circle Books), all of which she co-edited; and contributions to numerous anthologies and collections, including Dark Furies (Die Monster Die! Books), Breach the Hull, (Marietta Publishing), Space Pirates (Flying Pen Press), and the upcoming science fiction anthologies So It Begins (Marietta Publishing) and Barbarians at the Jumpgate (Padwolf Publishing). Her non-fiction works include a chapter on writer’s groups for Dragon Moon Press’s The Complete Fantasy Writer’s Guide: The Author’s Grimoire; a chapter in their upcoming Elements of Fantasy: Magic; a chapter on self-promotions in Marietta Publishing’s Profitable Publishing and a standing column, "If We’d Words Enough and Time", for the sadly defunct website, Fictionauts. Danielle is a member of The Garden State Horror Writers, the electronic publishing organization EPIC, and Broad Universe, a writer’s organization focusing on promoting the works of women authors in the speculative genres. Danielle lives somewhere in New Jersey with husband and fellow writer, Mike McPhail, mother-in-law Teresa, and three extremely spoiled cats. To learn more about her work, visit
www.sidhenadaire.com.

Sweet Pea Faerie
Sweet Pea Faerie has been encouraging children to become Planet Earth Helpers since 1990. She has performed for thousands of children and those young at heart at festivals, schools, camps, for non-profit foundations, charities and private birthday parties. She began her career as a faerie while teaching Global Awareness through Movement, encouraging respect for self, others and the earth. With rhyme and stories children of all ages participate in a journey of the imagination. Sprinkles of faerie dust, making wishes, and playing games are all part of the fun! Sweet Pea is on a mission to encourage children to take care of this beautiful Earth and celebrate in the joy of giving, of living, and loving the magic of the fey.
www.kubiando.com

Sweetie the Unicorn and her Yellow Faerie
Some say there are no real unicorns left. We prefer to believe! Sweetie lives happily in a wooded forest in Southern Maryland all year long. Once a year she, along with her assistant Rawbin the Yellow Faerie, comes out to play with the faeries at the Maryland Faerie Festival, bringing a little magic into all of our lives.
website

Telesma (Sunday, Summerfest on Saturday night)
Blending ancient and modern instrumentation and spirit, Baltimore-based Telesma bridges the gap between primal and futuristic, setting itself apart with intoxicating sound and extraordinary live performances. The group's sound, which has been labeled "ethnotronic groove" or "electro-acoustic psychedelic world dance music", is driven by the primal voices of the didgeridoo, the kubing, tribal drums and percussion and the human voice. These elements are fused with modern instruments to create a trance-like pulse not unlike that heard in modern electronic dance music. Besides the visual spectacle of the band itself, their performances often include elaborate multimedia projections, belly dancing by local and national dancers, and performance art/interpretive dance by various artists. A Telesma performance creates a mystical atmosphere, taps into the energy of music, and evokes a primal celebration of mind, body, and spirit with their audience. The band released their first full length album titled O(h)M in 2007. The group has performed in many acclaimed venues and festivals around the region, as well as television appearances, and music videos. Michael Macey of the Chesapeake Music Guide says, "To experience Telesma live is to become part of the show. More than just music, it's a swirling, whirling, twirling event...it's extremely hard not to become involved in the swaying, hypnotic rhythms that pour forth from the stage." The six member band consists of Ian Hesford on didgeridoo, kubing (Filipino bamboo mouth harp), hand drums and throat-singing; Jason Sage on keyboards, infra-red D beam, hand drums and vocals; Chris Mandra on analog synth, electric guitar and manDrum; Bryan Jones (Jonesy) on six string electric bass and electric upright bass and drums; Joanne Juskus on vocals and percussion; and Rob Houck on drums and electronic drums.
www.myspace.com/telesma

Three Left Feet (Sunday)
Thrir Venstri Fœtr is a dance and music performance group and organized to recreate and explore medieval and renaissance music and dance, concentrating primarily on English Country Dance. The name Thrir Venstri Fœtr is Old Norse for "Three Left Feet," and the group is often known by either version of their name. Three Left Feet is based in the Washingon, D.C. area and, for the last 25 years, has performed at numerous events including the St. Martin's Church 12th Night Celebration; the Spoutwood Farm Fairie Festival; Washington Revels's May Fair; the Maryland Renaissance Festival and the Marlkand Battle of Hastings. Three Left Feet performs for festivals, fairs, weddings, and "living history" demonstrations at schools.

Troupe Hipnotic (Saturday)
Based in southern Maryland, Troupe ‘Hip’notic’s eclectic dance flavor is influenced by both traditional and contemporary Middle Eastern dance; drawing elements from cabaret, Turkish, Greek, folkloric Egyptian, American Tribal Style (ATS) and tribal fusion.