2023 Entertainment TBD
***Jousters*** Knights of the Realm
In the World Tournament Of Champions, Knights of the Realm, an international troupe of skilled horsemen, archers, and swordsmen bring the games and jousting of 16th century Europe to life. The clash of steel rings throughout Merriwick as each Knight brings passion and prowess to defend the honor of their home country. Feel the ground tremble with pounding of hooves, lend your voice to cheer your favorite Knight to victory, as they vie for the favor and honor of Her Majesty, Queen Bess!
***NEW*** Akasha Aerial Arts (1st Weekend Only)
Akasha Aerial Arts is a local aerial school located in Spanaway. They hold classes for kids, teens, and adults! Come see Akasha’s Aerial Art’s performance team as they dazzle and amaze with eye catching performances and fly through the air for your enjoyment! There will also be hula hooping available with mini hula hooping lessons from Akasha’s very own hula hoop instructor!
***NEW*** Cydeshow Cy: The Sword Swallower (2nd & 3rd Weekend Only)
Cydeshow Cy the Sword Swallower! A man of skill, a man of danger, and some would say…. a complete lunatic! Presenting the most amazing feats of mind over matter, pain tolerance and death defiance; featuring whip cracking, knife juggling, and of course the deadly art of sword swallowing!
Cyrus Pynn is a master of blade, and he has proved the Pynn is mightier than the sword with the extremely deadly art of sword swallowing. His love for juggling, whip cracking and swordplay led him to become a circus and sideshow artist, trained from the Coney Island Sideshow life in the carnival. Cyrus has traveled all over the Country performing his feats at music festivals, cabarets, carnivals and private events but he always loves a Renaissance Faire. He is the sword master, he is the swashjuggler, he is Cydeshow Cy!
***NEW*** Merriwick Mayhem: Ye Olde Beatte Downe
The greatest Sportes Entertaineres in all the land compete for your favour after hours at WMRF! Come see a display of over the top athleticism, showmanship, and Smack-talking like you’ve never seen! Grab a pint, pick a favorite, cheer them on and brace yourselves, because the greatest grand grappling games are guaranteed to garner some grins!
When Pigs Fly
Now that her children are grown and her profession is done, Linnae likes to wander the world playing her fiddle at fairs, markets, and festivals. She thoroughly enjoys it!
Sirena (2nd & 3rd Weekend Only)
Travel back to the time of mythical gods, shipwrecked lovers, and the ethereal women whom all sailors both fear and adore: the Sirens. Straight from the depths of the sea, Leucosia, Legeia, and Raidne bring you a show filled with drumming, dancing, and all-original music. Their songs will hypnotize you and their stories will touch your hearts, but hold on to your souls, or you might find you’ve lost them to the hands of the Sirens.
Raptor Events
Fakespeare
Fakespeare featuring Patrick Hercamp (of Sound and Fury) performing the Bard’s work like you’ve never seen it before! This award winning vaudevillian comedian condenses some of Shakespeare’s best loved tragedies, energetically illustrating all the key points, characters, and iconic dramatic moments in 30 minutes or less. This show is for Shakespeare fans and total illiterates alike. There’s something for everyone to enjoy with Patrick’s “Fakespeare”, and if you’re not careful, you just might learn something!”
Manis O’Tool
Witness the ‘Manis O’Tool and his Imperial Tibetan yak show’! Please note that on the very rare occasion that his incredibly trained yak, Clark, goes missing right before the big show, Manus will be forced to improvise – fortunately he’s got hilarious stories, jokes, some audience participation and maybe even a dangerous stunt or two that he can pull out of his sleeve in a pinch… Enjoy the show, and if needed, please keep an eye out for Clark.
Broon
***Returning!!*** The Seadogs
The Seadogs are a group of performers (currenlty 16 in number) who perform Nautical music and songs, with a healthy injection of comedy and sailor-y theatrics. Several instrumentalists, along with an entire group of talented singers who perform a wide range of seafaring music…from old world shanties & work songs done in the traditional style, to more upbeat interpretations of classic sea-songs, to modern & original seafaring music. The Seadogs have been entertaining west coast audiences for over 30 years, and have a strong background in entertaining audiences both young and old in nearly every conceivable venue.
Earl the Bard
Earl the Bard wanders the land telling stories and playing music wherever he goes. His trusty Hurdy Gurdy evokes the magical feel of ancient music and lore, and can beguile even stubborn feet to dancing with its enchanting and ethereal sound. With a smile and a song, Earl the Bard charms guests of all ages by interacting directly with passersby as they explore the wonders of the festival.
The Whiskeydicks (1st Weekend)
The Whiskeydicks are a group of Celtic Gypsy party rockers established in 2002 have been carving their reputation for themselves as “One Hell of a Good Time”. The Whiskeydicks use fiery celtic-gypsy fiddle licks, cello played like a bass, bombastic trumpet, vivacious drum beats, energetic guitar strumming, and voice to tell stories of good times past and to play songs people know but in a way they’d never imagine. The formula works and has earned the band acclaim from audiences everywhere.
Bridging the gap between traditional and modern popular music with an enthusiasm that is contagious, and an eclecticism that knows no bounds, The Whiskeydicks have taken the stage at festivals such as the Woodford Folk Festival in Australia, the South East Alaska State Fair, Sunstroke festival in Whitehorse, Celtic Fest Vancouver, and the Galway Bay Irish Music Festival in Washington State.
“If Gogol Bordello and the Corb Lund Band got drunk, hooked up and then nine months later popped out a little whippersnapper, that baby would probably be the Whiskeydicks. That is to say this BC-by-way-of-Whitehorse band combine various elements of Celtic, country, rock and Gypsy music and filter them through punk sensibilities and a rowdy disposition.” – Ty Trumbull of Exclaim! Magazine
Abney Park (3rd Weekend)
Abney Park comes from an era that never was, but one that we wish had been. An era where airships waged war in the skies, and corsets and cumberbuns were proper adventuring attire. They’ve picked up their bad musical habits, scoundrelous musicians, and anachronistically hybridized instruments from dozens of locations and eras that they have visited in their travels and thrown them into one riotous dervish of a performance. Expect clockwork guitars, belly dancers, flintlock bassists, middleastern percussion, violent violin, and Tesla powered keyboards blazing in a post- apocalyptic, swashbuckling, Steampunk musical mayhem.
***NEW*** Equestrian Chaos
Equestrian Chaos has resurrected the legendary Amazon warrior women who are known for their mastery of archery and horsemanship. They will amaze audiences by combining the ancient art of mounted archery and trick riding to demonstrate the bond that human and warhorse share on the battlefield.
***NEW*** Jim Mackenzie - Comedian with Mad Skills!
Jim has been keeping vaudeville alive since 1985 and continues to add new original routines to the act. He learned to juggle at a young age from his dad. He picked up sword swallowing and other skills along the way, taught himself violin and put it all in a comedy show that has become a favorite with audiences around the country. He’s been featured on national TV and legitimate theater. Experience in the moment comedy and amazing original feats.
“I love that the act wasn’t about the juggling, you really are a comedian with mad skills!” – Will Arnett – Executive Producer, The Gong Show
***NEW*** Wings Aerial Acrobats (Weekends 2 & 3)
Wings Aerial Acrobats is setting course to Black Sand Bay, where the performers will display both daring and delightful feats of skill – tumbling, twisting, spinning, and dropping through the air on the finest silks and steel hoops. Their exhilarating and dynamic acts are sure to entertain all the hearties, from the young lads and lasses to the old seadogs.
*NEW* The Buckle & Swash Show (1st Weekend Only)
Ahoy there! Join the Buckle and Swash Show as Captain Red Swash Rogers and Mr. Punt Buckle attempt to plunder the seven seas in their Pirate Comedy Sword-Fighting Show! Their outrageous adventures are for all ages. First, they’ll need a crew… and a ship… and some common sense. And hopefully they can cease fighting each other long enough to set sail!
Chaste Treasure
Truly a treasure, but questionably chaste, Chaste Treasure is sure to delight all of your senses. This talented trio will entertain you with their tight harmonies, sassy shenanigans, and double entendre.
Liffey the Bard
A songstress and ne’er-do-well bringing soprano vocals and mischievous smiles to the village streets. Toss a coin to your Liffey, you’ll at least get a song out of it.
The Scuppermonkeys
The Scuppermonkeys are a Seattle-based Irish pub band with a pirate habit! We perform traditional tunes and drinking songs, Irish rebel and folk music, roaring sea shanties, stirring ballads, and much, much more, all with a healthy helping of swashbuckling! Featuring strong vocals, acoustic guitar, bodhrán, fiddle, Irish whistle, and more, The Scuppermonkeys’ sound is characterized by foot-stomping rhythm and melodies you just can’t help but sing along to!
Piccolo Puppet Players
The Piccolo Puppet Players presents The Punch & Judy Show! Done in the traditional British style. Prepare for lots of color, laughter and audience interaction. Mr. Punch is a light hearted anti-hero who gets himself in and out of trouble by the use of his wits. He meets many colorful characters throughout the show: Judy, his wife; the Baby; Joey the clown; the Constable, who never fails to misapprehend Mr.Punch, the Crocodile who swallows his stick and many others! Join us at the Oakwood Puppet Pavillion!
Mistress of Melody (2 & 3 Weekend Only)
Samantha, the Mistress of Melody is a bard in the classic sense. Telling tales in song with her Celtic harp and her voice she entertains, recalling stories both old and new. Samantha is also a member of the Irish band, Possibly Irish, whom of which she plays harp with in the summers at the Enchanted Forest in Salem, Oregon.
BOWI
Kickin’ Celtic Music – For years, Seattle based BOWI has been entertaining audiences with a blend of traditional Celtic music and unique energy. The BOWI sound encompasses a wide range of music including driving Jigs and Reels, exciting vocals, and beautiful ballads. An incredibly flexible and adaptive group, BOWI has performed at everything from Pubs and local faires, to private parties and weddings. Acoustic or “Plugged in”, BOWI has never failed to get the hands clapping and feet stomping.
Clergy of Errors
Monastic, uproarious, and all around charming, these three monks have traveled from afar to baptize you in their comedy of the cloth. With years of improvisational experience mixed with a devotion to delight, audiences can expect a truly unique and individual show. So hold onto your sacraments and prepare yourself to come as a sinner and leave as a winner with the Clergy of Errors.
Baksana
Baksana music and dance ensemble performs colorful pieces inspired by eastern lands. Adventure, passion, and humor combine to tell stories through movements. “Baksana” is Turkish for “Hey! Over here!” which compliments their energetic and captivating presence. Swords, veils, assaya, cymbals, and lots of improvisation are used to create unique audience experiences.
*** Returning!!*** B.O.O.M.
The notorious crew of the Emerald Rose has docked in Black Sand Bay! The ship’s Captain, Mad Morty, has heard of the opportunity to govern the port town and could not stay away. These limey pirates bring sword fighting, cannons, music, and their stolen Wanted Posters they have collected from across the seven seas.
Robin Hood & Maid Marian Present!
Join Robin Hood and Maid Marian for magical storytelling! Six members of the audience star in these high-energy, interactive re-tellings of “St. George & the Dragon” and “The Tales of Robin Hood”! Heroes, villains, cheering, screaming, and hilarity ensues!
Heavy Hammer (2nd & 3rd Weekend Only)
Heavy Hammer is a non-traditional Celtic drumming band. Hailing from Buckley, Washington, Heavy Hammer plays traditional pipe music with their own spin. Rowdy and rocking bagpipe and drums!
The Minstrel Darius
After studying mandolin under the tutelage of a wise master deep in the desert, the minstrel known as Darius set forth to share the gift of music. From street corners to the queen’s court, an eclectic blend of medieval, renaissance, and celtic ballads and dance music is sure to delight Lords, Ladies, and Fairies of all ages and walks of life.
IGNITION Fire Troupe (All 3 Saturdays)
Fire breathing, Fire Eating & Fleshing, Fire Poi, Fire Whips, Fire Fans, Fire Batons, Fire Crowns, Fire Dart, Fire Hoops, Devil Sticks on Fire, Hand Candles, Fire Wands, Fire Sword, Fire Dancers, Fire, Fire, Fire!