Des Moines Renaissance Faire Entertainment
Last Updated: Friday, September 14, 2007 12:12 PM
See some of the best local and regional acts, as well as some of the best entertainment from events such as the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Minnesota Renaissance Festival and Bristol Renaissance Faire. (Wanting to join us?)
Performer Spotlight - 3 Pints Gone
Who
are you? 3 Pints Gone – Bill, Kathleen & James.
Where are you from? West Allis, WI
What do you do? We perform Celtic traditional-style folk songs at bars, Celtic fairs and Renaissance festivals around the United States. Our distinctive sound is full of high energy and harmony-rich arrangements. We entertain by telling stories through the songs that leave the audience feeling like old friends.
Of Note: We have been recording for many years and have several fabulous CD’s for sale on our website. Visit: www.3PintsGone.com and see for yourself.
When you see us perform at the Des Moines Renaissance Faire, request the “Moose Song” and perhaps we will sing it for you! (It only has 14 verses!)
Oh, and Queen Catherine thinks our beagles are the “cutest!”
Entertainment Schedule
Here is a sneak preview of some of the entertainment/demonstrations planned for this year's expanded Des Moines Renaissance Faire. (Acts: Submit your description and weblink to the webmaster and he will update these pages.)
- Schedule for September 1-2-3 - download it as a Adobe PDF file, or view an unformatted web page.
- Schedule for September 8-9 - download it as an Adobe PDF file, or view an unformatted web page.
- Schedule for September 15-16 - download it as an Adobe PDF file, or view an unformatted web page.
| Act / Character | 1-2-3 | 8-9 | 15-16 |
| 3 Pints Gone (2nd weekend - Tavern Stage/Feasting Hall) We had to bring back to Iowa the single most popular "Celtic" trio on the national Renfest circuit . They rock-the-house....err, the Pub with mighty songs of Scottish history, heart-felt ballads of olde and bawdy barrages that often bring a howl to full houses...err, Pubs. Their CDs sell like no other music product in the Renaissance fest business. Get one before they're gone, after you experience one of their captivating shows. And drink up me hearties...... | X | ||
| Clan MacSwade (2nd weekend - Castle yard) Experience two scheduled demonstrations of Scottish Highland Games along with a mini-challenge for the young lasses and lads. Then join in playing two scheduled Medieval Games, yourself. The Clan of Scottish history educators will let you actually step into and compete in fun lawn games from days of olde. | X | ||
| Concentio Agnorum (2nd weekend - Minstrel Stage) Turn a well-pleased ear toward this master class musical duet. These two veterans of the Renfest circuit make heaven out of a few woodwind instruments. When leaving the food booths come quickly and get a seat in a shady lane to reminisce with these melodies from many centuries ago. True virtuosos they are.....and fun festival folk! | X | ||
| Updated 8/14: Danza Mystique (3rd weekend - Feasting Hall) One of the most popular acts at festivals around Iowa. Their tribal and Middle Eastern dance specialties delight folks of all ages. The drumming section adds a rhythmic sound that connects you with this form of dance movement, which originates from ancient societies. All ages and genders are welcome to join in the merriment for the show's finale`. | X | ||
| 8/6: Lady Elizabeth Davidson (various days - roving) This young lass is already a "lady" with the harp. Her skills in creating the beautiful sounds of Celtic & traditional tunes will give you pause in your busy festival visit. Sit a while and enjoy one of the most revered instruments in the realm. | . | . | . |
| Firemoon & Ariana of Balinor (1st & 3rd weekends - Roving & Children's Realm) The first faeries to enliven our festivals return to enchant you with their mystiques. They even take time in their hurried day to teach the young some dance and some joy. They'd love to share time with your children or your grandparents. Two of the most ideal photo op characters in the festival. | X | X | |
| 8/6: Florentine Opera Ladies (various days - roving) These two students of early & classical opera will not only be sharing their knowledge of this high art form of song crafting; they'll also be hitting some soprano notes of the era as they promenade our festival town in search of the lost chord. But we think they're coming with the priority of finding men-in-tights. | . | . | . |
| Forking Queen (all 3 weekends - Tent show) Have ye not been knighted or stardusted by the Queen of Forks, before?? Then bring your best-humored friend to the faire for fantasy fun with one of our most outlandish town characters. Her "ceremonials" are so engaging that even the real queen encourages your presence at this encounter. | X | X | X |
| Glastonbury Revelers (all 3 weekends - various stages) This highly-touted veteran singing troupe of olde world Madrigals brings the authentic sound of historical songs to our enchanted village. They've appeared at every major Renaissance event in the Midwest and bring not only superlative voices to the faire, but also a fun fairytale story. | X | X | X |
| Have Court, Will Travel (all 3 weekends - various locations) A class act not to be missed. Our royal entourage features a generous, witty and attractive Queen Catherine & her suitor, Lord Edward Seymour - Duke of Somerset. Along with a regal and well-trained retinue of 15 fun and interesting court characters, they present a historically accurate day of pageantry along with a fyne amount of intrigue and gossip. Bring the children to meet a real queen. | X | X | X |
| The Horsemen "Commedia Mud Show" (all 3 weekends - street/lane theater) Commedia dell'Arte comes to the town of Canterbury-on-Sherwood with this raucous troupe of characters from Omaha. With a variety of classic village personas, they'll "make your day" with up-lifting humor and laugh-out-loud antics. Plus, most of these professional comedians will be featured in the daily "Mud" shows. | X | X | X |
| Joust Evolution (all 3 weekends - Tournament Arena) This will be the Des Moines premiere of the Midwest's newest equestrian theatrical show troupe, as directed by veteran joust designer Kevin Coble. Come see the dastardly Spaniard knight take on the haughty English knight, along with an amazing display of beautiful young horses AND beautiful young ladies who don't ride side-saddle. Fabulous stunts & comedy abound. | X | X | X |
| 8/7: Kids with Fire (all 3 weekends - Pirate or Mud Show stage) Comedy juggling with everything but the kitchen sink. These young "performaires extraordinaires" specialize in playing with fire. They also like to play with your mind...as in humorous feats of balancing and juggling. See them on stage and in the crowds. As long as they've got props in their hands, they're not picking your pockets. | X | X | X |
| King Oberon's Faerie Troupe (all 3 weekends - Tree house& Children's Realm) Our fallen hero, Brad Nelson, leaves us his remarkable family and friends who entertain our hearts as a variety of totally believable faeries and elves. They dance, they give gifts to children, they play games, they sing poems, they even bring unmentioned surprises to the young-at-heart who come to faire. Leave not our festival without encountering the faerie court. | X | X | X |
| 8/1: Kissing Booth Wenches (all 3 weekends - Guild Hall) Oh, to meet and greet (and smooch) with either (or both) Miss B. Haeven and Grace O'Mally.......Yes, we introduce our first bonafide kissing booth with wenches who actually encourage that sort of thing. Heck, you can even bring the younger men to their stall for they are at the ready with tiny chocolate "kisses" for the premature and for the over-mature. (No drunkards allowed.) Bring your cameras on our "Romance, Wine & Revelry" weekend. | X | X | X |
| 8/25: Lady Christina, Equine Danseuse - The lovely Christina will entertain you as she thunders past the crowd on her spirited steed, performing graceful acrobatic moves that will thrill and amaze you. (1pm) | |||
| 8/1: Legends of Sherwood (all 3 weekends - Roving & staged fights) Tis Robin the hood along with his maiden Marian and the young Will Scarlet, escorted by Little John, himself. They will be spied upon by Sir Guy and Jack-of-the-Woods, who fancies himself to be the new Sheriff of Nottingham. Witness all of this olde English lore in our Sherwood Forest Realm and follow along the plot, whenst John challenges Robin to a fight with sword & staff. | X | X | X |
| 8/6: Lock, Stock and Barrel (all 3 weekends - Food Court) Scottish brigands who be constables of the peace will be operating the town stocks. Yes, this is the iconic device in which you have your friend or foe place their head and hands for a minute or for three days. It's cheaper by the minute. But be entertained all the while, as these are the two funniest insult artists, slanderers and Highland blokes in the kingdom. | X | X | X |
| McCrakken Brothers Mad Scotsman's Golf Challenge (2nd weekend - On-going lawn game) The perfect bit of levity and fun for our Scottish-themed weekend. "Test yer nerve. Hole yer stone whilst with standin' the withering tongue-lashin' of the mad Scotsmen, Ian and Angus." | X | ||
| Merlyn's Majik (1st & 3rd weekends - Castle Stage) Merlyn presents his new Pirate persona with illusions and comedy banter that tickles all age groups. You can finally witness the classic straight-jacket escape and see the disappearing man trick. On our third weekend he returns for the challenge of making all the pirates disappear. What is a festival without seeing a funny & mysterious magic show!? | X | X | |
| Mirage Middle Eastern Dance (2nd weekend - Feasting Hall) Exotique movements and percussions from the mid-orient will bring a celebratory atmosphere to those lucky diners who await their four daily shows. With elaborate costuming from a variety of cultures, this show is a festive and visual stimulation. See them tempt the knights in armor whenst they stroll the village lanes...while still a'shakin'. | X | ||
 Molotov
the Gypsy (2nd weekend - various stages)
Comedy magic and jester juggling all in one performer. You'll want
to see him twice, since each show is a different art form. Things go
up in the air and things disappear. There's much entertainment afoot
when Molotov takes the stage. |
X | ||
| 8/6: Mother Earth (all 3 weekends - Sherwood Forest & Children's Realm) She be the creature who doth invite you into our realms of fantasy. She might have a gift or a game for your children. She might have a story to tell about what all lies in the greenwood behind her lair. Allow the child in you to spend but five minutes with her, just for the whimsy of it all. | X | X | X |
| 8/1: Mud - see Horsemen | X | X | X |
| Orckes & Trolles (1st & 3rd weekends - various stages) The hardest working musical singing trio in show business! They'll bring much cheer to the Tavern with their pub songs and fun to your family when they invite all to sing-along in the Feasting Hall. Try to grab one of their CD recordings at the festival before they sell out. | X | X | |
| 8/1: Pipers of the MacKenzie Highlanders (2nd weekend -- Roving) Not one but two tartan bagpipers will lift the aires with inspiring calls of the Highlands on the opening day of our Celtic-themed weekend. They'll remind you of why you attend such festive events. They'll bring a teary eye and a hearty toast from those they encounter with these traditional tunes. | X | ||
| Pirate Comedy Show (2nd & 3rd weekends - Pirate Ship Stage) - Comedy stage show, and piratey songs in the lanes. Captain J.P. Boyd (legendary pirate) and Scarlett Flynn tell you the true story of the Curse of the Blackened Pearl, and maybe even one about legendary Sea Monkee, Davy Jones... | X | X | |
| Pirate Tales for Tiny Tots(1st weekend - Children's Stage) Bring the whole family to hear Christina the Crimson share the awe of her very own experiences among the Pirates of the High Seas. Many a time she was held captive and was made to serve as the Captive Gypsy Princess. Only recently of child age, herself, she has a wonderful knack of communicating with the wee ones. | X | ||
| Predators of the Sea (1st & 3rd weekends - Pub & Pirate stages) Piratical comedy, mayhem, swordplay and much swabbing. We welcome this hilarious new show to the festival. And these pirates of the high creek are so talented that they offer up two different shows rendered with laughter, song, sound-effects, and sword-play. Give a cheer but don't get near. Tipping allowed. | X | X | |
| Rage Theatrics (3rd weekend - Castle stage) The former Shattock Schoole of Defense offers up its hybrid show of comedy, mayhem and genuine theatrics. With a blend of comedy Shakespeare and original material and flailing swords and spirited story-telling, this is one of the not-to-miss shows on our closing weekend. They've been featured at festivals all over the Midwest, this year, and now it's Des Moines' turn. | X | ||
| Reggie Greenlaw (all 3 weekends - roving lane act & 1 Minstrel Stage show) Back from the Minnesota Renaissance Festival this world-class virtuoso on the hammered-dulcimer will play many a lilting and lively tune all day long. He even takes requests, so grab a spot under our new shade trees and give a listen. You can even take home this resounding memory of the faire by purchasing one of his enjoyable CDs. | X | X | X |
| Sauboo the War Troll (1st & 3rd weekends - roving under the gateway bridge) He's back! This intriguing, semi-scary, mostly-fantastic creature who guards the under-world and seeks out badde urchins has been a figurehead character at festivals in years past. Now, he's alive...alive, just to bring more fun and thrills to your experience at the faire. Don't venture off of the entrance bridge or...... | X | X | |
| Update 8/6: Scurvvy Dawgs (1st & 3rd weekends - various stages) - With a different rapid-fire act every time they take the stage, these are the funniest and most popular scallywag Pirates to appear at many a festival around the region. Cannon fire, fire-eating, whip skills, juggling tricks and classic comedy banter make these dawgs true headliners. | X | ||
| 8/6: Shaylee (1st weekend - roving) A faerie piper or an elfin flautist? You decide when you find her floating about Sherwood Forest or the children's faerie realm. If she won't speak to you, tis because her voice is in her instrument. | X | ||
| Songstress Susan Teller (all 3 weekends - various stages) One of the most entertaining festival acts in the business. Whether on the Tavern Stage or strolling the lanes, her engaging songs of romance and revelry will make you smile. She and her gallant guitar can even make up songs on-the-spot for you and your companion. | X | X | X |
| 8/6: Siren Stefanie D'Flute (various days - roving) How sweet the sounds of the magical flute when played by a Venetian siren. Follow her about the lovely grounds of Canterbury-on-Sherwood for much luck dwelleth in the moment whenst you hear her musique. | . | . | . |
| Tavern Wenches of Canterbury (all 3 weekends - various stages) If you come to have fun, take in this darling duo of two babes who make comedy hay in the Pub, at the Pirate ship and in the village lanes. They present a variety of lively shows from semi-bawdy to romantic and hilarious. Stand back when they let fly with the water, the laundry and the insults. | X | X | X |
| 8/6: Viking Boffer Battles (all 3 weekends - Coliseum Arena) Live and in-person the Viking Pavilion folke offer up a spectacle for the kids and the adults with soft heads. Tis true, you can do battle with your friends and compete with champions. This fun-with-history might just be the reason you'll bring all the kids. And they grill some awesome buffalo burgers in their Viking Pavilion, to boot. | X | X | X |
| 8/6: Westside Re-enactors - (3rd weekend - 2 demonstrations, Castle Stage or Castle lawn) From the lands of Nebraska come this guild of history educators, who'll embrace you with their desire to teach you social & traditional dance moves. You are invited to join their gathering on the Castle stage lawn and choose a dance partner for this 'Romance, Wine & Revelry' weekend. | X | ||
| William O' Wickam, Blackjack and Miss Julie (all 3 weekends - Children's Stage) Dragon Tales & stories of lore & much more. Our veteran teller of stories, both fun and learned, has won the hearts of thousands of children through the years. He and his realistic dragon puppet bring to life many of the fairytale accounts of days of olde. Parents, please stay for the rollicking sing-alongs with Miss Julie & Blackjack. | X | X | X |
| Wizard Face Painters and Kiddie Joust (all 3 weekends - Children's Realm) These friendly wizards not only offer face-painting for the children, but present their Joust Challenge for the youngsters. After the real jousting show is over bring your tots over to try it for themselves with lance in hand on a hobby horse. Then return to their blue pavilion tent in order to get into the huge Chinese Dragon puppet for the town parade at 12:30. | X | X | X |
| 8/1: Wrapsody (2nd & 3rd weekends - Castle yard) The Tribal Circus presents aerial & musical "wrapsody" from the tradition of 'cirque d'soleil'. You will be truly mesmerized by the aerial stunts and acrobatics of Jade, while master Martin accompanies her on drums and the didjereedoo. While that is already grabbing your attention, they also show off their skills on the rolla-bola and with fire-breathing. Catch this act on their U.S. tour. | X | X | |
| Demonstrators / Re-enactors / Living History | |||
8/1: Barony of Coeur D'ennui (1st weekend - Living History Encampment) The Des Moines chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism is a membership group that strives to re-enact the best parts of the Middle Ages (from 600AD to 1600AD) through research of those cultures in the arts, sciences, combat and history. They'll be offering three fight demos and three belly dance sessions per day, plus a variety of on-going active exhibits. We invite you to immerse yourself within their camp. |
X | ||
| 8/6: Greywolf Forge (2nd & 3rd weekends - Sherwood Forest) Yet another SCA veteran blacksmith, Mark Miskell, keeps the fired coals hot for two more weekends of hands-on metal working demonstrations. He's also a tent-maker by trade, and open to custom requests | X | X | |
| Brotherhood of Steel (2nd weekend - Living History Encampment) Hailing from Kansas City this troupe of historical re-enactors open their tents for you to share in their unique folkways. They'll also be doing a scheduled tournament sword-fighting in the Coliseum Arena, each day. Not to be missed will be the ceremonial elevation to Count & Countess for the group's leaders. | X | ||
| 8/6: Highland Rope Makers - (2nd weekend) Before there was rope, there was nothing but fire. See how the earliest Medieval products of various plant fibers were made to become one of the most useful tools in history,. To enhance our Scottish-themed weekend we're bringing in master Mark McClain, kilt and all, to help you get your own hands into the ingenious process of making rope. | X | ||
| Medieval & Renaissance Society (3rd weekend - Living History Encampment) This is one of the most well-studied re-enactment groups in the Midwest. They'll impress you with their variety of historical demonstrations and hands-on activities. Observe the cooking skills, take in the craft artisans at work and ask lots of questions. They will be at-the-ready with a world of knowledge from times past. | X | ||
| 8/6: Nuptial Ceremonies (Saturday /Sept. 15th - Feasting Hall...suggested due to possibility of rain) If you can return to our faire on the third Saturday you will witness how we've put the romance into our "Romance, Wine & Revelry" weekend. An authentic Renaissance-era wedding ceremony and two matrimonial vow renewals will be held on the grounds on this fyne afternoon. Even the queen will join in for these unique experiences. You too will want to partake in such an experience in the future. | Sat | ||
| 8/6: Oakwood Forge (1st weekend - Sherwood Forest) Authentic olde-world blacksmithing by SCA veteran Jens Butler will spellbind the die-hard history fans, as they watch him create functional tools from his cauldron of coals. If you have a real need for heavy metal repair, this working guild shop is the place for you. | X | ||
| 7/21: The Potter's House - Ongoing pottery demonstrations daily. This year we are adding a clay making demonstration once daily. We use our feet to mix the clay. | X | X | X |
| Updated 8/6 : Sara the Silk Artist (all 3 weekends - Guild Hall) Master silk artist Sara of Antion will be doing an on-going demonstration of the unique art form of painting on silk. This is one of those rare gems of a hands-on experience that you can only find at an event such as ours. | X | X | X |
| 8/6 : Sherwood Spinster (2nd & 3rd weekends - roving) Not just one of our esteemed village characters, Lady Laura of Poresky has a masters degree in textiles and will share with the inquisitive not only the role of her character in our fyne town but much of what she knows about the history of spinning, weaving, fabrics and clothing of the era. | X | X | |
| Skjaldborg Vikings (2nd weekend - Living History Encampment) Relive the end of the Dark Ages as the mighty Norsemen charge into the Middle Ages with their fierce and productive society. They will be offering three scheduled field battles per day in the Coliseum Arena. Plus, you are invited into their camp pavilions to learn more from these academic performers who live in the 10th Century. | X | ||
| 8/5: Summerset Winery - Grape stomping demonstration daily. | X | X | X |
Demonstrations
- Silk Painting, Sara of Antion - Guild Hall
- Kilt Wrapping, Master Donald - Scots Dragon Shop (3:00)
- Kiddie Jousting, Wizards - Face-Painting Booth (12:00 & 2:30)
- Olde World Folk Ways, various - Living History Encampment
- Blacksmithing, Oakwood Forge & Greywolf - Sherwood Forest
- Highland Rope-maker, Master McClain - Guild Hall (2nd week)
- Spinning & Textiles, Lady Laura - Main Street
- Archery, Master Archers - Sherwood Forest
- Barbarian Boffer Battling, Viking Merchants - Sherwood Forest
- Grape Stomping - Summerset Winery (2-ish)
- 8/27: Dundee Bee Honey
- Clay making, The Potter's House
