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The Sherwood Crier The Insider Newsletter of Sherwood Forest Faire
What’s Inside
Rengypsy p. 1, Mysteries & Marvels p. 1, In the Limelight p. 2, Vendor’s Corner p. 2, Elf ’s Corner p. 3, unClassifieds p. 3, In the Limelight part deux p. 4, Classified Ads p. 6,
I sit at my window and listen to the hustle and bustle of a seemingly interminable line of people moving toward Sherwood Forest. I remember when this would have surprised me, but now ‘tis a common sight. Every year, people arrive in droves to participate in the Sherwood Celtic Music Festival
& Highland Games.
I lean out the window a bit and squint in the early morning light; the advancing horde extends clear to the horizon. “Ah yes,” I think to myself, “the fame of this wonderful festival is now well known and and we must expect the crowds to swell to even greater
numbers with each passing year.”
I jerk my head up suddenly, “why, is it really two full years since I became Ace Reporter and Editor of my beloved Sherwood Crier?” I ask myself in wonder. I ponder for a moment, “hmmm, wait...is it two years or two hundred years?” I shake my head, “no matter,
two...two hundred...it all blends together.”
The din from passing crowds is louder now so I close the windows and return to packing. I am taking a small trunk, just enough to carry my very
Behind the Scenesby Rengypsy
Sherwood is a remarkable community & experience. It is composed of many parts. Some are the front people—those known and recognized by everyone. But behind the scenes, there exist many silent, seemingly invisible ones who contribute and add their
magic to our community.
My wife is one such person. She is quiet and reserved and can usually be found in the very back. Ever since I had the crazy idea to invest our life’s savings into Sherwood, she has been there as a stalwart supporter. She walked a hundred tracts of land with me before we located this place in Bastrop County. She squinted her eyes and tried to see my vision through the thicket that is now the faire grounds. She watched our bank account dwindle and co-signed notes with me. She painted and nailed and planted. She took care of our boys when I was allocating all my weekends to Sherwood. She stood in freezing weather in December at the first Gathering when some 30 folk showed up
and huddled into that blue canvas tent.
Today, she designs and plants the gardens before faire opens each year…and watches over them during the
off season.
Mysteries & Marvelsby Mab Middlin
cont’d p. 5
Don’t miss the pre-show with Brizeus and CelticaFriday (Sept 20th) 7-11 pm, $6.00 at the gate
cont’d p. 6
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In The LimelightEJ Jones
Vendor’s CornerFour Quarters
With treasures from the four corners of the known world, Four Quarters could be the first and only stop needed to garb yourself
in style.
The name, Four Quarters stands for the four primary elements of the earth: Earth, Air, Fire,
Water; Lola & Darryl, the owners of Four Quarters, chose that name because of the deep connection they
feel with the four elements.
Lola started Four Quarters in 1999, using her sewing and jewelry-making talents to diversify their income. Since then, she’s been creating unique and unusual items nonstop for faires and comic conventions. Nothing is mass-produced, so you’ll never see another faire-goer coming toward you wearing your special outfit. Everything in her shoppe is either one-of-a-
kind or limited edition.
Just to mention a few of the amazing things you can find at Four Quarters...for women, there are skirts, blouses, bodices, vests, corsets, and jackets. For men, there are tie pants, wrap pants, and sleeveless shirts. Lola also makes hair clips, hats, jewelry, robes, cloaks, and coats. and if you’re looking for coin hip scarves, shawls, pouches, shoulder bags, or leather items, you’ll find those at Four Quarters, too!
Lola makes 90% of all the garments in the shoppe. Nothing is imported, but a few items are fabulous finds from here and
there.
As you walk along the path at Sherwood, you are sure to recognize the plaintive strains of a melody that can only come from bagpipes. Soon, you are in the realm of EJ “Piper” Jones, and I dare any one of you to not tap your toes or imagine that suddenly you’ve become able
to dance a highland fling!
EJ was 11 years old when he learned to play the pipes at St. Thomas Episcopal. He was fortunate to learn from the amazing Mike Cusack, the first America to win gold medals at Inverness and Oban. Mr. Cusack continues to be an excellent role model in his job as headmaster of that school
today.
When EJ was 13, he was in his kilt at a festival with his family. His grandmother dared him to put his instrument case on the curb and play for tips. Well, EJ worked up his courage to do it and after just 5 minutes there were dollars in the case and a college girl had pinched him on the behind; he was hooked from that moment forward. EJ has gone on to fame playing folk music on the Great Highland Bagpipe, Flute, Scottish smallpipes, the Irish whistle and
Uilleann pipes.
Not only a musician, EJ is also a creator of musical instruments. He is a wood turner and makes instruments for pipers in other bands. He also composed tunes and teaches at workshops from Vermont to Washington. This summer he went to Scotland to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow with the St Thomas
Alumni pipe band.
EJ says “Playing at Renaissance festivals has been a wonderful way to anchor a musical career. The audience is willing, you get to run around in the sunshine all day and smile at people while wearing a costume and you get to take part in some wonderful
cultural events like playing for dancers.”
EJ plays in two bands that will be performing at Sherwood’s Celtic Festival: Clandestine and Brizeus.
http://www.piperjones.comcont’d p. 3
photo by Vicki Farmer
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Darryl works with wood. His primary focus is making hammers, but he has been making awesome
canes lately.
Come visit Four Quarters during the Celtic Festival at booth 201 near the Three Stags pub and find your
own one-of-a-kind treasure!
Elf ’s Cornerby Tamuri’L the Avariel Elf
*the Elf steps from the coolness of the Trees into the full sun of the fields. She unrolls a soft green scroll
from which to read.*
HEAR YE! HEAR YE!
Please gather all Lords, Ladies and Fabled of thy Sherwood Forest.
This Elf hath been sent with ye newest updates of thy Volunteer Marketing Department and Privy Counsel
Even though thy hottest Season be upon ye Sherwoodians, once again, ye hath shown thy determination and stead-fastness to continue Onward
into thy Future. Aye, that ye hath!
Sherwood participated in San Japan, spreading the good word of our forest to anime enthusiasts of
all ages!
This Elf hath more things of import to share with ye. Our Volunteers hath been spreading Word of thy Woods by turning out in grand numbers to parade in the blistering summer heat and bringing home
more awards for thy Trophy cabinet!
From thy home Kingdom of McDade at thy July Watermelon Festival, ye won the First Place “Most
Original” trophy, Huzzah!
Four Quarters cont’d
unClassifieds
Free to good home. One slightly used set of bagpipes. Musket ball and sword holes have been patched nicely although the previous owner will take a wee bit longer to mend. The only stipulation is that any new owner
promise to take said instrument far, far away.
***
Lasses! The highland games are upon us. Is your lad too absorbed in sport to pay you the slightest attention? Alan the Apothecary is offering a seasonal special on perfume designed with the discerning Celtic male in mind---eau de scotch. Dab a little behind each ear and show up naked and you will enjoy at least a minute and a half of attention--20 to 50 percent longer than
usual. And If that doesn’t work you can drink it!!
cont’d p. 5
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ClandestineClandestine is hard-driving, toe-tapping Texas Celtic sound. Formed in 1991, the band is known for their brand of blasting tune sets and fresh songs. Piper EJ Jones and fiddler Gregory McQueen lead the tunes with the full force of their individual musical energies.
Al Cofrin brings cittern folk guitar, and medieval bagpipes to the mix. He is a Riverrun Records recording artist, and is also the director of nationally
known Istanpitta Early Music Ensemble.
Gregory McQueen has been playing the fiddle for longer than he will admit. His passionate playing ranges from tenderly lyrical to fiery and breathtakingly
original.
Percussionist and singer Emily Dugas captivates with her original song c o l l a b o r a t i o n s with Al, as well as her singular interpretations of songs in the Celtic genre. EJ and Al also join Emily on vocals, with many songs now set in three-part harmony.
They started touring professionally in 1997 and played all over the USA with trips into Canada and over to France a couple of times. Clandestine has bagpipes, singing, fiddle, Irish drum, and bouzouki and they mostly play clubs like the Mucky Duck in Houston and Celtic festivals like the North Texas Irish Festival.
Come thrill to the sound of Clandestine and Brizeus at Sherwood Celtic Music Festival!
Brizeus
Brizeus is a pan-Celtic instrumental group of pipers, drummers, and string players based all over the USA. The group was formed in 2011 and perform at folk dance events around the country and at outdoor festivals like Sherwood. The name Brizeus is a play on one of the ancient words for the country of Arthurian legend (Breizh) and one of the nicknames for Dionysus, the Greek deity of agriculture and
celebration. The pipers in Brizeus typically play bagpipes that were made by EJ Jones and Richard Kean. The repertoire is taken from European dance tunes of the last 600 years as well as some modern Irish and original compositions. The band relies heavily on multi-bagpipe harmony and adds another Celtic instrument, a louder type of pipe called a bombarde. On the percussion side, Brizeus tunes are accompanied by an amplified stringed instrument called a Cittern,, and a
bass drum called a Davul.
About the band members: They jump around a lot. They’re always in tune. They teach dances to folks
who want to learn.
Brizeus released one CD in 2011 which was recorded with the assistance of Grammy-winning engineer
Randy Miller of Austin, TX.
In The Limelight part deux
photo by Leisa McCord
photo by Kim Hill
photo by Vicki Farmer
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AND, be that not enough for ye... Sherwood paraders won the “Best Out of Town” blue ribbon from our
neighboring Kingdom at the August Bastrop Homecoming Parade, with special appearances
by Chiron Centaur and meself. NONE of such could be possible without the tireless efforts of Songbird, Lady Thorna, and Autouloucous!
Thank ye three!!
Finally, vast numbers of ye flocked to the water’s edge for the Surfside Beach Invasion, and spread good word of Sherwood to all
whilst cavorting in sand and waves.
*the Elf spreads her hands wide to show she has nothing more to report and colorful butterflies start spinning around her fingers and swirl about her head as she walks back into the
coolness of her beloved woods*
She is one of the unsung heroes of faire.
So, too, are the folk who attend the sowing of rye in the fall; and those who joined in the waddle and daub construction of the mud stage; and those who attend most every work day to rake leaves, cut grass, saw logs, and work diligently within the campgrounds.
You are heroes, one and all.
The Faire’s success is because of you.
Some of you take to the stages, others join in the parades, and still others quietly and modestly pick up trash and weed the gardens. Collectively, we all are making Sherwood an experience worthy of our time,
our tears, and our sweat.
And it is because of you and the love you provide toward Sherwood’s success that the Gatherings are so important. It is at the Gatherings that we break bread together, drink our ales, and drum and dance about a fire at the Seven Sisters. It is at the Gatherings we celebrate the community we have built collectively!
We cherish your gifts of labor and love to this community. Faire is Sherwood and Sherwood is Faire.
Join us at our Gatherings and at the Celtic Music Festival soon.
Huzzah!
photo by Ashley Landis
photo by David “Gunslinger” Stockton
photo by David “Gunslinger” Stockton
Elf cont’d from p. 3 Rengypsy cont’d from p. 1
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Classified AdsFOR SALE: Booth 518 – formerly Stone Casting, most recently Hair TwistersTotal 580 sq. feet including sales, stock and living areas. Two floors. Has electricity. Asking $22,500Contact Taylor Grant at [email protected] or 303 489 8865. FOR SALE: Booth 108 – Lady T’s Leather and Drums16x20 with living quarters, electricity and water. Asking $12,000Contact Pam Tobias at [email protected].
FOR SALE: Booth 515 - Jerusalem Cafe is relocating to Booth 203 (just a few steps from the 3 Stags Pub). Booth 515 is a total of 678 sq. feet, has electricity and water, and is built out as a restaurant. Asking $19,000Contact Ori at [email protected] or (954) 548 4535
BEADED DRAGON DESIGNSCustom beaded and wire-wrapped creations: Tree of Life Pendants, Jewelry, Hair Clips, and more, all hand-crafted, unique works of art. Visit www.facebook.com/beadeddragondesigns for more info.
JOB OPPORTUNITY !!!!! Swan Lace needs 3 high energy, authentic spirited, sales individuals to join Swan Lace Clothier to sell high quality, locally sewn, beautiful clothing at TRF Booth 249 (3 booths down from the Sea Devil Tavern). Salespeople also needed at Sherwood Forest Faire (Feb - early April) - Fair Appreciation Pay - Great Fun - Happy customers & a big discount for your
costuming needs! Sales experience required.Please provide references to my email [email protected] or call my studio phone: 512-360-
4823.
special treasures. I take my notebook from my desk, “oh my, the memories this little book contains!” I exclaim as I place it reverently into the trunk. Next, I pack my quill and ink into a small, tight-lidded box and place it next to my treasured notebook. My invaluable omniocuspeculum follows; it allowed me to see many things that were there, “and some that were
not quite there” I think with a smile.
I look about me and say with a sigh, “there is not much else of great importance to me here,” and I close the trunk lid and latch it firmly. I stand and look about
me; my heart swells with love and cherished memories and a tear comes to my eye at the thought of leaving. Then, the door opens suddenly and my precious Gil stands there, holding his hand out to me. “Are you ready, my love,” Gil says, “I have a cart waiting to whisk us away.” My eyes glow at the sight of my sweet Gil, “yes, I am coming,” I say, and close the
door behind me.
Gil helps me into the cart and we move forward slowly through the crowds of people. “Wait!” I shriek, “stop the cart!” I jump down and rush back to my cottage, fling open the door and grab my precious hat from the hook where it hangs and jam it firmly upon my head. I pause in the doorway and take one last look
around, and with a sigh, I shut the door firmly.
“It would have been disastrous to leave your hat behind,” Gil says as I clamber back into the cart. “Yes,” I answer breathlessly, “I’m ready now.” We move forward again, heading toward wonderful adventures in our new life together. We travel toward the rising sun, passing the multitudes making their trek to the Festival, and as we move beyond the limits of Nottinghamshire, I turn quickly to catch a last glimpse
of Sherwood before it vanishes into the distance.
The End
Mysteries cont’d from p. 1
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Poets, Artists, Writers, PhotographersIf you have something you’d like to submit for the Crier, email me at
Heartfelt thanks to:
Brizeus, Lola Burch, Clandestine, Vicki Farmer, Kim Hill, EJ Jones, Ashley Landis, Leisa McCord, David “Gunslinger” Stockton, and Tamuri’L the Avariel Elf
Sherwood Forest FaireP.O. Box 10816
Houston, TX 77206
visit us atwww.sherwoodforestfaire.com
email us [email protected]
