Latest News: Saturday, September 6 2008 - What a difference a week makes! A cool start to weekend 2!

Des Moines Renaissance Faire Entertainment

Check this list again, as there is more to be added!

8/19/2006 - even more added today:

  1. War Horse Productions' "New Riders of the Golden Age" Full-contact jousting tournament and comedy horseplay. They hail from Florida and are considered one of the two most authentic jousting troupes in the nation. They are the headline act at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival (as well as at various other festivals). Sept. 2-3-4, 2 shows per day.
  2. Hanlon-Lees Action Theater's "Jousting Knights & Steeds" Full-contact jousting tournament and Challenge of Skills. They hail from Oklahoma and are considered the other of the two most authentic jousting troupes in the nation. They are the headline act at many big festivals around the country. Get a photo-op shot of yourself in costume on their model steed. Sept. 9-10th &16-17th, 3 shows per day.
  3. "Skjaldborg" Viking Living History & Live Steel Combat. The premiere education-demonstration Viking re-enactment troupe in the Midwest. These serious masters of history and Medieval warfare come from the Omaha, NE, area. They will be the featured encampment troupe on the first weekend (Sept. 2-3-4th) with an open tent village for visitors to peer into the past. They will also present 4 Siege Battles per day demonstrating how the Viking culture won over most of Europe by their ferocious battle skills.
  4. "Clann Tartan" Colonel Gaffney's Regiment. This long-established Living History troupe from Minnesota has appeared at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and the popular Big Island Rendezvous. Their focus on Scottish (Highland) military culture from the early 1600s is as perfected as any scholarly Civil War re-enactment troupe. They will present a day of Pike Drills, Artillery Drills, Scottish Country Dance, on-going folk demonstrations and military camp craft interpretations within their open tent village. They are the featured encampment troupe for the 2nd weekend (Sept. 9-10th).
  5. "Medieval and Renaissance Society" This recently formed association of experienced re-enactors hails from the Omaha, NE, area. They present an open tent village that offers a living-history immersion into the folkways of central Europe during the 14th & 15th centuries. Their articulated skills and artisan exhibits will serve as the featured encampment troupe for the 3rd weekend (Sept. 16-17th).
  6. "The Scurvvy Dawgs" This is the most popular Pirate show troupe in the Upper Midwest, having appeared at numerous Pirate festivals as well as Renaissance faires. They take "piratey humor" to a new level. Plus, they'll mesmerize you while juggling fire-torches, demonstrating knum-chucks and flayling their whip-cracking skills. All this while working up one of the best comedy routines on the circuit. See them all three weekends with 4 shows per day on our hulking pirate ship stage, hidden at the waterfront within the Pirate Cove.
  7. "Starboard Bound" Presents 'The Hero School', 'The Art of the Duel' & 'The Pirate Show' all in one day of swash-buckling fun. Known for their flashing swords and comedic speed, these are the new stars on the deck. The poop deck -- that is.....With 4 shows per day and four well-trained actors (2 guys & two gals), they'll rock the Pirate Ship Stage on all three weekends. They earned high marks from audiences at the Iowa Renaissance Festival & the Nebraska Renaissance Faire. Disney World doesn't have them in September - - we do!
  8. "The Pirate Comedy Show" This laugh-along, act-along spoof on Disney's PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN enhances our 'Pirates, Wenches & Scallywags' themed first weekend. Not only can Capt. JP Boyd spin a hilarious tale, he can also sing. So will you in this audience participation show that has appeared at festivals all around the Midwest. Plus, it will take the stage in the intriguing Pirate Cove on all three weekends.
  9. "Have Court Will Travel" Des Moines is the home base for one of the largest and most well-trained Royalty entourages in the country. See Queen Catherine's coronation ceremony then follow her through-out the festival grounds as she graces many of the activities, contests and jousting tournaments. Pageantry such as this has not been seen in 450 years, unless the spoiled Princess Margaret distracts the Men-at-Arms. Don't visit the Des Moines Renaissance Faire without experiencing an audience with the Queen and her Court. They will be "holding court" over the festival on all 3 weekends with 7 presentations per day.
  10. "Squires of Goethos" They are the team from Nebraska who help the New riders of the Golden Age pull off such an exciting jousting show in the arena. Not only is their tent bivouac open to visitors, they will show off a demonstration of an actual working trebuchet catapult two times per day. First weekend only.
  11. "ELIL" An Early Music Consort. This college faculty recorder quartet from the Quad Cities are a classic assemblage of Madrigal/Medieval minstrelsy. They will stroll the grounds and do short "concerts" plus hold one stage show per day. Second weekend only.
  12. "Orckes & Trolles" From right here in Des Moines this rousing singing trio will bring life to the Pubs with an array of sing-along songs and troubadour classics. They have appeared at festivals all through-out the Midwest, including the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. Plus, they have recorded two CDs now in distribution. First weekend only - 7 shows per day.
  13. "3 Pints Gone" This trio constitutes one of the most successful and popular Pub bands in the nation. They have appeared at most all of the big festivals around the country, including their home-stage at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Their "rompin- stompin" fun shows will be held five times a day on the Pub stage. Their hit CDs will also be available. Second weekend only.
  14. "Cappamore" This trio of solo festival favorites has come together to premiere their new group as the official Pub band for the third weekend. All from various acts at the Bristol Renaissance Faire and Chicago/Milwaukee music scene -- Jesse Linder, Brian Leo and T.J. Hull could each hold court in the Pub with their own brand of sing-alongs. Now they're going to combine their multi-recording talents to rock the house on the "Romance, Rogues & Revelry" weekend at Festival Park. Five shows per day!
  15. "The Limeybirds" Coming all the way from Canada this is THE singing wench act that is "ripping it up" at the big festivals around the North America. Even though there are several versions of this troupe, Des Moines will be getting the "first string" group - -starring Shannon Kelly, herself. You can buy their CDs and DVDs at the festival. Second weekend only with five shows on saturday and four on sunday.
  16. "The Aerial Angels" This is the featured "ladies" act for the third weekend. Coming to us from Michigan, they bring us a true taste of Cirque d'Soleil. They will be presenting aerial stunts from a giant tripod, fire dances and circus skills. Their hammered dulcimer accompaniment will bring to life the fun and fantasy that they also provide in the village lanes. Sept. 16-17th with 3 shows per day and lots of audience interacting.
  17. "The Jester Rejects" Coming to us from the Kansas City Renaissance Festival this comedy duo of twin brothers will be the featured juggling act for the first weekend. Their fast-paced quick-of-hand show puts "jestering" into a new artform. And comedy from days of olde hasn't been seen like this yet in Des Moines. Sept. 2-3-4th with five shows per day.
  18. "The Dean of Juggling" Master street performer and festival headliner Dean Franzen will be the featured juggling act for the 2nd weekend. His juggling skills appear all the more amazing while he also maintains his stand-up comedy routine, not to mention his fearless effects with fire torches. Sept. 16-17th with 4 shows per day.
  19. "Merlin the Magician" Master Magician Robert Schmill established his classic show of illusion and magic at the Renaissance Faire of the Midlands. Of the various magicians around the country who do a "Merlin" persona, his is considered the real McCoy. He has so many "tricks up his sleeve" kids often return to his stage for a second showing. This is our featured magic act for the opening weekend. Sunday/monday only - five shows per day w/ 2 in the Children's Realm (Merryfield).
  20. "Lord Drake's Mystic Magic Show" Coming to us all the way from Michigan this stage show is a 'wacked-out blend of comedy, slight of hand and outrageous behavior.' Best of all -- no one gets hurt, 97% of the time. This is the featured magic act for the 2nd weekend. Sept. 9-10th - five shows per day w/ 2 in the Children's Realm (Village of Merryfield).
  21. "Free Company of Canis Bellum" This full-armor and live steel combat troupe comes to us from St. Louis Missouri to help control the invasion of Pirates for our first weekend. Under the direction of Sir Dale Tokvam, Stage Combat Instructor, they will present a skillful display of sword & blade fighting from days of olde. Plus, they will help create the pageantry of Knights-at-Arms for our Royal opening and closing ceremonies. Sept. 2-3-4th, 4 shows per day.
  22. "Ye Royal Falconers" Present their live bird of prey show to the amazement of children and adults, alike. These creatures of the wild can be observed up close as their expert handlers delight you with the lore of the great hunters of the sky. The trained falcon and perching owls are a "must see" at any Renaissance festival. All three weekends, 2 shows per day.
  23. "Glastonbury Revelers" Madrigal singing comes to life via the voices and personas of the most experienced Medieval/Renaissance choral group in the Midwest. They've appeared at most of the major Renaissance festivals in the central states; and they made an appearance at that big white house in Washington, DC. Not only will they be doing songs for the pleasure of the public, but they will also be performing their fun skit, entitled "The Quest." All three weekends, 3 shows per day.
  24. "Octangle" The sweet and soothing sounds of Iowa's newest Madrigal singing troupe, features talented voices from various other groups and performances. They will help enhance our closing weekend with 2 lovely shows per day and strolling vocals through-out the village lanes. Sept. 16-17th.
  25. "Jade Tiger Dojo" Samurai Arts from the land of Medieval Nipon. This is the state's premiere Japanese martial arts performing troupe. They even have their own instructional TV show. Under the direction of Master Dan Coglan you will see mesmerizing feats of body and sword. They welcome up-close inquiries at their information table that displays some of the most expensive and rare swords from the Orient. Sept. 16-17th, 4 shows per day.
  26. "Ciccotti Art Glass" Master Glass-blower Art Ciccotti demonstrates how the skill of forming artisan glass-works from a working "glory-hole" furnace is as good a show as any other at this festival. Six times per day in the Guild Village crowds will gather round to see how a true master forms unique works of art from colored silica. All three weekends.
  27. "Rhos Blacksmithing" Master metal-worker Rhos Thorgrimesban brings to life the fireworks and bellows of antiquated smithing techniques. His physical presentation and persona will draw you back into the days of knights on horseback. He welcomes you to dialogue with him during his on-going demonstrations in the Guild Village. Sept. 9-10th & 16-17th.
  28. "Master Minstrel Reggie of Greenlaw" Having been featured at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, last year, he now returns to Des Moines to bring the festive sound of his classic hammered-dulcimer to the lanes of the village. He will even do a command performance on stage, once each day. We guarantee that his popular music CD will be one of the most sold items at this festival. All three weekends.
  29. ...pending...
  30. "Concentio Agnorum" This master class flute & recorder duet of James & Billie Jones is hard to come by in today's world of available live music. They have perfected a sound of authentic compositions from the Renaissance and Baroque masters. They will grace the Minstrel Stage 3 times a day on our middle weekend, which is becoming a showcase for great woodwind musicians. Sept. 9-10th, 3 shows per day.
  31. "Habeas Corpus Early Music & Dance Project" This University of Iowa faculty performing troupe is known for more than just their 'Renaissance Dance' programs. Habeas Corpus is an art cooperative that affirms and advocates the body as art. Their on-going Early Dance Project practices the art of courtship, love and intrigue as experienced in the courtly ballrooms of the 15th to 19th Centuries. They will be performing the works of 16th Century music masters with a selection of olde world instruments. Second weekend only, 4 shows daily.
  32. The Sturdy Beggars' "Mud Show" Not only will we be presenting this genuine Chicago burlesque in the mud, but we'll also be honored by four of the very original Beggars from the former King Richard's Faire of the late 1970's. Chicago theater and film impresario Scott Vehill will anchor the Mud Show on all three of our weekends. He and his companies have earned more Chicago Theater "Jeff" Awards than just about any other thespian group in Illinois. He is also the coordinator for one of the nation's important playwriting competitions. Each week he'll be joined -- in the mud -- by one of the veteran Mud Show performers, who have been featured at every major Renaissance/Medieval event in the U.S. Outside of the joust, the authentic Sturdy Beggars Mud Show is considered the ultimate Renaissance festival experience. Five shows per day.
  33. "The Forking Queen" When it comes to street theater and creative bravura we have the one and only Forking Queen act in the country. When you come across her stall at the festival you will fall into a world of fun and delight. Boys will be knighted, girls will be bestowed a ladyship, and adults -- well, find out for yourselves. Don't leave the festival without encountering one of our best "street theater" characters. All three weekends, on-going.
  34. ...pending...
  35. "The Sherwood Glen Faerie Realm" besides a traditional Children's Realm in another area, this mystical magical mini-kingdom of elves, trolls and friendly faeries will appear as a little children's themepark all in it's own shady grove. Two professional family performing troupes will present a full day of inter-active play, games, treasure hunts, contests and shows. Enter via the Pirate Cove, pass near Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest and enter into this young-at-heart world of make believe. All three weekends, on-going (self-scheduling).
  36. "Mistress Susan Teller" The Singing Miss of Avalon will command various stage areas of the festival, because of the variety of her presentations in the artforms of singing w/ guitar, story-telling and Pub barding. Susan Jellinger is one of Iowa's most respected singing story tellers and presents a program that makes the solo act as enjoyable as it can possibly be. "She's a hoot!" (President George Bush, or was that Governor Tom Vilsack) All three weekends, 5 shows daily (2 on adult stage, 2 on kids stage & 1 Pub Bard gig per day).
  37. "William & Blackjack" Dragon stories come to life in this inter-active children's show by festival favorite Dave Daugherty. His experience as an Iowa elementary teacher has helped him hone one of the most requested children's shows on the Midwest circuit. Bring the whole family into the Children's Realm -- dubbed Merryfield -- where William and his pet dragon will present five shows per day on all three of our weekends.
  38. "Siegfried's Viking Tales" From the Land of Lincoln comes Kevin Burge's entrancing fables, legends and histories of the mighty Norsmen. His animated tales will be told from in front of our Viking Food Pavilion, where you'll be able to taste the victuals and hear the stories of the conquerors of Europe. You can immerse yourself in early ages history, while sitting in the shade. All three weekends, 5 shows daily.
  39. "The Horsemen" Are on a quest to perfect the artform of commedia dell'arte street theater. Coming to us from Omaha and the Nebraska Renaissance Faire, they bring to our festival the spark of revelry needed for any great 'Renaissance' event. They will engage our guests and village lanes on our first weekend with the spirit of theater and carnivale. Don't visit the festival without encountering a member of The Horsemen. First weekend, on-going
  40. "The Flute Jongleur" Darit Brown of Des Moines presents a sampling table full of every type of flute that he's learned to play. He'll sweeten the air with a wide variety of songs and tunes from the melodies of times past. He'll illustrate the world of this unique woodwind and discuss the history of the music. This wee shaded alcove of musical ayers will provide a romantic moment of rest at a busy festival. All three weekends, on-going.
  41. "The History of Rope" Master Rope Maker Dann of Johnson demonstrates how the craft of rope-making can become one of the more interesting presentations at a history festival. Kids of all ages will be captivated by his "hands-on" skills. They even get to keep a piece of the hemp that they help him create. Master Dann tours the Midwest festival circuit with this popular event activity.
  42. "Robin Hood, Maid Marian & Will Scarlet" Iowa's own Kleckner family can be seen at numerous Medieval faires around the region portraying the legendary cast of Sherwood Forest. See our own such woodsy realm inside Festival Park come to life with the exploits of our hero and his friends. There will be a running scenario of his exploits against the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. Plus, Robin will be seen through-out the grounds offering goodies for the children from his small treasure chest of treats.
  43. "Sheriff of Nottingham" As a member of the Screen Actors Guild, television actor Troy Rutter returns to Iowa from his work writing for network TV game shows. He will fill the boots of this infamous over-seer of Sherwood Forest. After months of training in swordplay and stage combat, Troy will help bring to life the various encounters that he and Robin of Loxley enact each day at the festival. Plus, he will be seen swaggering his authority through-out Festival Park in search of all pirates, outlaws and Minnesotans.
  44. "Harpist Extraordinaire" Master of the Celtic Harp -- Gaylord T. Stauffer brings to us his years of delightful faire experience. Often seen as a fixture at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, he also carries his valuable instrument and beautiful music to many other events. You can catch a moment in the shade or on a bench listening to his masterful music, and even take him home by acquiring one of his CD recordings. If you are planning a wedding, you must call on Gaylord the harpist. First weekend only, on-going.
  45. "Charles of Charlatan" This purveyor of religious relics and ancient artifacts makes putting on a festival quite worth the time. His is one of those classic characters who works the streets and makes you feel like you've actually engaged someone from times past. Give him a listen as actor/singer Wesley Drahozal fades into a persona that makes re-enacting an artform.
  46. "Village Spinner & Textile Master" Laura of Poresky comes to us from a century past as she has been seen at Living History Farms. Within our faire this journeywoman will take you back another 400 years as she demonstrates the handicraft of spinning yarn with her Spindle & Distaff demonstrations. Having an actual Masters degree in Textiles & Clothing from ISU makes her one of our honored experts in re-creating the daily life of times past. Not only will you find her presentation informative, you might also be able to try the spindle yourself.
  47. "Bethesda Recorder Consort" Another of Iowa's master class musical presentations graces the festival grounds with its quartet of veteran recorder players. They will stroll the grounds and offer their lilting music to whomever wishes a shaded retreat with music. Listen to their ayres and knowledge of compositions past. Sept. 9th only, on-going.
  48. "Challenge of the Master Archers" National archery champion Mark Wagner and his sister Christy will present one of the most original and outstanding "shows" of authentic hunting lore that you will see at any Renaissance festival. These two professional bow shooters have mastered the skill of target shooting and will bring their personal one-upmanship challenge to our event three times a day. You've seen him place on ESPN, now see them take their place on the Queens Tournament Field and amaze you with their remarkable skills.
  49. "Martin Luther" Professional actor and real Lutheran pastor Don Rothweiler has been performing as this Reformation icon for numerous years. When you encounter him in the festival village do him honor by inquiring into his memory of Luther's illustrious history. Don't miss the four Renaissance-styled real wedding ceremonies that he will be ministering over through-out the run of the faire. They were designed by the genuine Martin Luther, himself.
  50. "Master Vintner of Summerset" Ron Mark, the 'grape master' of Iowa's own Summerset Winery, will bring to life the stomping of the grape, the tasting of the harvest samples and the knowledge of the fruit of the vine. We created a special Italian garden area for this enjoyable encounter with the town wine merchant. If their ever was a great souvenir to take from this festival, it would be a bottle of the fabulous makings of Summerset Winery.
  51. Coburg Productions presents the "Wittenberg Door Puppet Theater" Don & Jayme Rothweiler & Family have made a serious study of presenting folk tales and Aesop's Fables to audiences at numerous festivals. They've even ventured to Germany to learn how to make authentic masks and storytelling puppets to improve their shows. Make sure you see their custom-built stage in the Merryfield children's realm, designed and built by Rev. Don Rothweiler. (All 3 weekends, 3 shows per day).
  52. "Lady Dabria & Alustriana Belly Dancing" Along with drummer Aodan MacDonald this young trio of firey performers bring to life the exotic and intoxicating moves from the far reaches of our Olde World. Be generous with your coins as they enhance our stages and village lanes, as they are the baron's favorites. (All three weekends, open strolling first weekend - for FIVE shows per day.)
  53. "Banat Casablanca Tribal Dance Troupe" Coming to us from a distant land (Illinois) this large cast of dancers and drummers will be joining our opening weekend with much fanfare. Their presentation honors the cultures of Arabia and the Saracen cities of olde. Miss their show and miss a trip back in time. (Sept. 2-3-4th, FOUR shows daily).
  54. "Tavern Wenches of Canterbury" Wench Mandie & wench Melissa (stolen identities) are both naughty and nice. They tell naughty stories in a nice way and make the Pub their home during the 3-weekend run of the festival. These babes are funny to the core. (All 3 weekends, THREE shows per day.)
  55. "Master harpist Darren Raleigh" will be returning to Des Moines to bring the moving sounds of his Celtic harp to the village atmosphere of Canterbury. Find him in a shaded spot or on the Minstrel Stage and enjoy a glass of wine as you listen to melodies from days of olde. On-going.
  56. "Men of the Highlands" Scottish heavy games competitors. Coming from our academy of trained performers and from the region at large will be these fearless and burly bravehearts, who will take on and demonstrate the tradional field games of the Highlanders. This is one of the added features for our middle "Kilts, Celts & Competitions" weekend. One-hour presentation at 4:30pm on the 9th & 10th.
  57. The All-festival Grand National Costume Contest will take place on Sept. 16th only (5pm). It will include categories for Nobles, Merchants & Peasants. Fine prizes for all.
  58. "Sam the Fiddler Boy" Iowa's up-and-coming Irish fiddle-player (14 year-old) Sam Hall will be strolling the village lanes of Canterbury seeking "tips" for his up-beat tunes. With these generous donations of pence & shillings he might be able to return to his Celtic clan back north in olde Ireland. On-going all 3 weekends.
  59. "Knightwolves of Shadow Moon" Groomed right here on the Eastern plains of Iowa are one of our many re-enactment troupes who bring unique characters to Fair. Shamus, Casper, Faelan, Rayce & Guenhwyvar the Ferret Lady will be on the prowl utilizing their unique characters. On-going all 3 weekends.
  60. Master Scribe & Calligrapher Michael of Rodriguez will be one of the featured presenters in the Guild Hall. His years of perfecting the technique of the written word will much enhance our world of today. Make sure you purchase a small sampling of this fyne artform after observing his demonstration. On-going (all 3 weekends)
  61. "Iron Wolf Forge" Master metal worker Ken of Nelson will be the honored village blacksmith on our first weekend. The skills that he will present have been honed through the years at many a festival and fair. See his iron hammer and flame at work in the Living History area via the Pirate Cove entrance. on-going (1st only)
  62. "Wizard Face-Painters & Kiddie Joust" Bill & Margaret Burkle bring to us years of experience in portraying the characters behind the Wizard Face-painting booth. For our grand new village, they will not only return with their large Chinese Dragon for children to run in but also offer kids a chance to experience the thrill of hobby-horse-jousting. Find them between the Faerie Realm and Sherwood Forest via the Pirate Cove pathway.
  63. (to be continued)