Patrick Franz has been on stage at over 50 faires (both Renaissance and other) since he began performing in California over 14 years ago. He is the director of the Sons of Anacreon, a Victorian comedy/singing group and has taken his act on the road. Over the years he has acted, sung, and fought on stages all over the country, often creating and recreating Shakespeare's work, as well as playing the bard himself on occasion. He has worked with many wild animals: Panthers, Falcons, and Children.
He is both a director and fight choreographer and loves to make things to go boom. He has also founded "Presenters of Living History" teaching California students American History, Shakespeare, Commedia, and historical craft skills.
MASALA MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE FUSION
Masala Middle Eastern Dance Fusion is a unique performance company created by two women who have combined their innovative style with many years of dance and music study from international masters to create intriguing choreographies and exceptional performances. Masala Ensemble is comprised of a group of performers who share Brianna and Erin's passion for performance art. Masala Fusion can be seen throughout the country in theatrical presentations, Middle Eastern themed school lectures and demonstrations, plus master classes and workshops for all levels.
Lady Ettie is a beloved character of taste and fashion endearing our village-advising guests on matters of etiquette and deportment. Always ready to assist visitors to Playhaven on the changing trends of international fashions. Her sense of style is described as unique.
She reminds all that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Brighton Brass Herald Trumpets & Sacbuts have been performing since 1999 at FLARF. Performing the hits of the 1600's, including such composers as King Henry VIII, Thomas Morley, Thomas Weelkes, Heinrich Issac, Orlando di Lasso and more, Brighton Brass can be found heralding at the front gate, the joust, in the parade and providing a grand entrance for royalty as well as music for the scenario. Executive Director and founder John White has been performing with FLARF on trumpet since 1993. Other members include Director and trumpet Chris O'Farrill, trumpet David Zeidell, trombone Paul "Southwood" - Smith and bass trombone Matt DiLeonardo.
As you walk the paths of the good village of Playhaven, the streets become the stage when you meet the Cobblestone Characters :
The Gardyloo Sisters - Privy Cleaners, masters of mirth and filth
Mistress Pristine Christine - The Wife of Bath. Have you had your bath yet this year?
Hugh and Crye - Village Byway Patrol - Don't get caught speeding!
Grimly Grimes - The Unbefowler, Master of Trash Execution
The Spell Checker - An expert in all spells and potions...if she can just remember them...
WASHING WELL WENCHES
The Washing Well Wenches... These two wacky wenches take a bite out of grime as they knock your socks off with humor that will make you wet your... well, they're funny! Good clean fun from wet, dirty women.
FLIGHT OF THE RAPTOR
Started in 1990, by Master Falconer, Ray Pena, Flight of the Raptor has been seen and enjoyed by thousands over the years. Driven by his own desire to understand these amazing creatures, Ray has dedicated his life to the ancient art and sport of falconry. His interest was sparked at the age of 15 when tending to his homing pigeons on his Bronx home rooftop. With the guidance of friend and mentor, Dr. Heinz Meng, and with the help of Ray's daughter, Jennifer (also a licensed falconer), Flight of the Raptor strives to share knowledge, experience, and love of birds of prey with all who are interested.
BRET BLACKSHEAR'S GI SHIATA
Gi Shiata, (pronounced "gee shee-ah-tah") - translates loosely from Japanese into "Deception Theater", which works perfectly as the name for this mysterious, masked character. Gi Shiata will fool you, simple as that. With 100% pure sleight of hand, a normal pack of playing cards, four stainless steel rings, or a coin, or perhaps even something some one is carrying - becomes a path towards Gi Shiata's promise on his sign which states "30 seconds to blow your mind." There are no words to distract from what is happening, there is only magic. You will be amazed. See for yourself in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaw7-2hQaNc.
The Renaissance Court Dancers Company perform at Medieval and Renaissance Festivals in Florida . In our resplendent noble garb, we bring an enchanted, regal air to your party or event. We dance for you, and teach you dances so that you may join in the merriment. Join us and experience the grace and chivalry of the days of the knights.
Jergen and Fritz are… THE VAN KLEAVER BROTHERS
Straight from Holland come the two greatest chefs of all time. Using cleavers and carrots, accuracy and idiocy, they demonstrate the destruction of edible targets as blades fly. Their dazzling, delicious, display of fearless comedy has left crowds wild and satiated around the globe. If you like danger or just hate vegetables you’re going to love this show.
BUCKLE AND SWASH
Two bumbling pirates who spend as much time fighting amognst themselves as plundering the seas. Captain Red "Swash" Rogers (Thomas Zadoyko) and Mr. Jiff Buckle. Oh, with a little help from Mr. Fluffy.
A show for the child in all of us . . . With elements such as audience participation, tricks and humor, our show is a memorable experience for adults and children alike. Young ones are enchanted by seeing the dragon come to life and many depart truly believing that the dragon is real. Each performance ends with a meet and greet, so everyone who wishes to meet the dragon and faerie can have a chance to do so. This gives our performers an opportunity to interact one on one with the children, who will leave your event with memories that will last a lifetime.
THE ROGUES
Renowned for their musical skill, quick wit, and engaging stage show the ROGUES have mastered the art of creating an immediate connection with their audiences. The ROGUES are fast becoming a household name with music lovers across the U.S. and Canada, loved by young and old of all backgrounds.
THE LOST BOYS
The Lost Boys are four high energy performers that have joined forces to bring the world a unique blend of original music, and traditional folk tunes, along with contemporary and classic rock n' roll parodies with a renaissance flair. Affectionately known as the Ren Fab Four the boys have endeared themselves to audiences across the southeast. It's Spinal Tap meets Shakespeare In Love, and fans of music with comedy and comedy with music will surely enjoy this musical insanity. Accept no substitutes: the Lost Boys!
where fighters take up positions on a life size board of chess and fight for every precious square with all manner of weapons, Rapier and Dagger, Swords, Axes and Shields! Be on the Chess board to support your side's champions with cheers, and chants. It's time to pick a side, will you be on The Black side? Or The White side? Who will win? You help decide!
DANIEL DUKE OF DANGER
Dan is a professional acrobat and funny dude who has successfully avoided real work since 1981. After a two year tour he ran away FROM the Ringling Brothers Circus and can say from personal experience that the little car all those clowns come piling out of is crowded! He has since performed his own brand of physical comedy and ill-advised acrobatics all over the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Since 1993 he has been performing a solid tour of renaissance festivals as "Daniel Duke of Danger". Dan is a graduate of the Ringling Bros. Clown College, has studied at the world-renown Ecole Nationale de Cirque in Montreal, and has learned to clean fish from his neighbor Jack down in Key West.
THE FREE LANCERS
Revel in the breathtaking falls only trained stunt riders can safely perform joust after joust. Savor the raw courage and roughneck riding required to be victorious. Watch in awe the expert swordplay, both mounted and afoot, punctuated with a wide assortment of combat tricks and cleverly scripted banter. Come cheer your champion and deride his foe! Discover for yourself the rapport between the performers and your family as you respond in wide-eyed amazement, unrestrained laughter and organized chanting to the performance of The Frelancers!
OWAIN PHYFE
Ancient music is a way of life for musician Owain Phyfe and the New World Renaissance Band, a musical ensemble which draws inspiration from the belief that a new, modern Renaissance will soon begin, typified by a rediscovery of the Renaissance spirit. Thus, the New World Renaissance Band has made it their mission to help bring about this awakening through their music.
Vocalist, instrumentalist, and composer, Owain Phyfe grew up in a bilingual family where Welsh was a second language. Nourished by his grandparent's appreciation for song, Phyfe's study of languages in college and his travels abroad to England, France, and Spain as well as his experience later as a musician in New York City's Greenwich Village led to the kindling of his own Renaissance spirit.
HEARTSTRING
Our modern day violins' oldest ancestors had one string and were held on or between the knees. Sometime during the Renaissance, players adopted an alternative position of tucking the base of the instrument under the chin. James O'Clair presents a unique interpretation of the ancient one-stringed instrument he calls the "Heart String". Listen to the haunting melodies as he plays his beautiful HAND MADE instrument.
REN FAERIES
The RenFaeries is a Florida based flit of faeries that have been performing at festival and celebrations around the Southeast United States since 1996. With over 12 years experience we have made it our mission to introduce the world to the joy's of being a RenFaerie.
LADY MERILEE EFFINGHAM
Lady Merilee Effingham is proud to be England's first, best, last and only courtesan, and she means to show her country and the world that every woman is a goddess and every man craves her. She distracts and delights with entertainments and pastimes, either impromptu, or off-the-menu. With songs, poems, stories, jests, riddles, games, and countless other dainty sports, she entrances all who tarry in her company.
TREEMAN
At over twelve feet tall, the Walking TreeMan can be seen from over 150 yards away. Standing still, he becomes almost invisible, blending into the background - when he moves, he seems to suddenly spring to life, almost magically, amazing and astounding onlookers. TreeMan can even be invited into shopping malls or other large, open areas.
FLOURISH AND FOOL
Flourish and Fool combine acrobatics, juggling and physical theater to create an atmosphere of wonder. We specialize in audience interaction and skilled humor, and we entertain audiences of all ages.
Inspired by circus and vaudeville, Flourish and Fool aims to produce a more real experience of skill based art. Throwing aside the traditional barriers of comedy and juggling we dive into the realm of emotive theater offering a rich experience for all audiences.
KATHLEEN FINNEGAN-BLACKSHEAR
Kathleen Finnegan Blackshear is a wonderfully gifted and accomplished harpist and singer. Her diverse musical abilities include beautiful lilting Celtic melodies, O’Carolan tunes, and haunting Irish tunes. Her most recent performances have been at the Carolina Renaissance Festival. Kathleen also performs at renaissance festivals in Georgia, New York, Florida, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Maryland. One of the unique things about Kathleen's performances is the education you get along with the music - every song has a story, and Kathleen knows them.
H.M. ROYAL ARTILLERY
Master Cannoneer Sir Robert Russell lives by the motto “Artillery brings dignity to what would otherwise be a Vulgar brawl”. Since 2001, “The Cannon Guy” has been opening and closing the Faire each day with a REAL bang.
Along with his beautiful wife, and assistant gunner, Lady Triskelia Russell, they never fail to get a lively reaction from the crowd. Both Sir Robert and Lady Tris have been trained and certified by the National Park Service to shoot full sized black powder artillery. They are experts in all types of black powder weapons.
CHARRY GARCIA
CONRADO "CHARRY" GARCIA is from Chile and is an accomplished and sought-after multi-instrumentalist and recording artist. Charry specializes in the music of Central and South America and plays charango, pan pipes, birinbao and a number of equally exotic noise makers
