Court Revelers
The Court Revelers endeavor to entertain, excite, and enrich audiences by presenting high quality, live a capella performances of Renaissance and Baroque period music; to create a unique musical performance experience. Some of our favorite composers are Orlando di Lasso and John Dowland among a mixture of over 120 madrigal pieces, drinking songs, and sea shanties. We attempt to achieve a balance between the beautifully lively and the simply lovely.
DeCantus
DeCantus is a professional a capella ensemble that offers specialized performances at a variety of venues and events including private parties, public shopping centers, and corporate events. Formed in 2000, DeCantus performs as a quintet and has two seasons: renaissance festivals and holiday caroling. In the spring, summer, and fall, DeCantus interacts directly with its audiences while singing an eclectic mix of folk songs, pub songs, madrigals, and comedy numbers. During the winter months, DeCantus dons Victorian-inspired attire and performs sacred and secular carols in jazz, traditional, and novelty arrangements.
The Dregs
The Dregs have been performing “music” and “comedy” for over ten years. After all those years of performing, they fans number in the dozens. On a good day. Their goal is to inject a little bit of comedy into all their music and a little bit of music into their comedy. It has been said that they know the first verse to every song ever written. That may not be true but the odds are good that they can make it up. They also sing more songs about zombies than any other band they know.
The band is currently comprised of Susanne Becker, Trevor Hartman, Molly Zupon,
Paul Score, Rachael Salisbury and Tim Wick. Of that number, only one is an accordion player. All attempts to reduce that number have failed but they continue to be optimistic about their chances.
If you like silly musicalness or musical silliness, The Dregs are probably the band for you. They aren’t afraid to butcher a song in the name of comedy!
Elizabethan Syngers
The Elizabethan Syngers have been a fixture at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival since its founding in 1971. Our goal is not only to entertain, but to create an interest in music from The Renaissance, and to educate our Syngers and audience about its important place in music history. Our love for the Renaissance Madrigal and song is embodied in our mission statement: The Elizabethan Syngers are dedicated to preserving, promoting, and performing music of and inspired by the Renaissance Period.
Four Pints Shy
Playing music at the Renaissance Festival in one form or another for the past 16 years, Twin Cities-based septet Four Pints Shy combines Irish, English, and Bluegrass music into a high energy performance experience. Whether it’s an uptempo jig or a raucous, sing-along pub song, Four Pints Shy will be sure to excite and entertain. Perfect music to come down to the pub and have a pint or two. Sláinte!
Trevor Holien – Fiddle
Andy Sponsler – Bodhrán & Vocals
Rick Widen – Banjo & Vocals
Renee Pilon – Guitar & Vocals
Seth Goodlaxson – Accordion, Whistles, & Vocals
Dylan Vidas – Guitar, Bass Guitar, & Vocals
Scott Lund – Mandolin, Bouzouki, & Vocals
Kindred
Founded at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in 1993, Kindred band members share Celtic heritage and a love for the sounds of their common ancestry. After a decade hiatus from music and merrymaking, Kindred is returning to the Festival with harmonious original songs to whisk your mind away to the isles.
Langers Ball
“This two-piece Irish Folk-punk band, has been writing, touring and performing for over a decade. Playing their own brand of traditional drinking songs and original material, their sound is harder-hitting and bigger than you’d expect it ever could be. With a thumping beat and a flurry of notes and harmonies, you’ll dash to refill your drink and cheer for more.”
The Leprechaun Pirates
Being a musician on a pirate ship is an essential job, so is keeping up the morale of the crew between prizes. It can also be a bit of a chore, as any crew member can request a tune, and even roust the musician out of bed. So in some ways we are the hardest working members of a pirate ship. Still, it’s a job that needs doing, and it’s better than swabbing the deck. We can also pick up a little honest money when we go to shore at the local tavern or even street corner. Everyone loves a good tune and adventure on the high seas. We will again be going on shore leave for fun and frolic at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival so put on your favorite pirate gear and join us for a weekend of fun and feasting.
Mistress Kathleen
Kathleen uses hammered dulcimer and voice to carry on the traditional songs of her ancestors: from the clear open prayers of medieval monasteries, to the passions and beliefs of Irish gypsy communities, to the radical reformers of Shaker villages in the New World. This music resonates with insight, wisdom, and beauty. Kathleen ties together her English / Irish / Early American song quilt with stories and poems.
Too Broke Blokes
Too Broke Blokes plays traditional Irish music really really fast. And by fast, we mean ludicrous speed.
Naughty Bawdy Brigade
We, the Mistresses of the Naughty Bawdy Brigade entertain you with songs, jokes, limericks, and a whole lot of double entendre.
Ravenscroft Musicke Guild
Along the lanes of the village, you might hear the masters and mistresses of the (Most Excellent) Ravenscroft Musicke Guild. Their shows present 16th and 17th Century madrigals and ballads, with rich counterpoint, enthusiastic instrumental accompaniment, fun and silliness, and fleeting discussions of turkey pirates.
Rose and Rand
Harpist Rose Claussen and violinist Rand Claussen have been performing Renaissance and Celtic tunes at the MN Renaissance Festival for over 15 years. Stephanie performs harp full-time in concerts, weddings and special events throughout the Twin Cities and teaches from her studio in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has recorded multiple albums (including “Soirée à Montpellier” and “Light So Brilliant: Carols and Tunes for Christmas”) and recently released a book of harp arrangements with Mel Bay Publications. Harp/violin duo album coming soon.
Photo Credit: Darin Jensen
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Allen – A – Dale
Allen-A-Dale, the minstrel of Robin Hood legend, with entertain site-wide all day long, on a variety of instruments. He may even invite you play along with him!
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The Inland Seas
This Celtic ensemble combines lush vocals with traditional instrumentation and plays a mix of tunes from rousing pub songs to haunting ballads. Come sing, dance and rink along with the many moods of The Inland Seas!
Family Friendly
Loose Cannon