I have done Ren Faires now for 20 years and I have to add that the original Renaissance Faire was simply an art fair with a theme. The fairs universally have always been more about entertainment and art than about true re-enactment. There are those that fit into the "as close as possible yet still practical" category at most fairs as well. I have a period correct looking costume and rubber soles on my shoes. What is right and wrong at Ren Faires is not the same as what the is right or wrong at historic re-enactments. I have met those that hand sew their entire set of clothes right down to the underwear and they scoff because I only "look" the part. Others buy something that velcros up the back and run around the faire getting drunk and staring at boobs. If you fall in any of the above you are pretty much welcome at a fair. Once again, it is not the same for true re-enactors. As far as the HG goes, I am also the only regular HG player at the local faire and I play French trad on my luteback. I found long ago that there are those that prefer to remain "period correct" at all times and I applaud them for the dedication and great work. There is a group at the fair that is a very good early music group (who spurned me when I first brought my HG to Faire...no word if they have decided that I can play yet) and I leave all the early stuff to them. The truth is I don't much enjoy early music and, although I could play it, it does not float my boat. The debate about what is period and what is not (a never ending "you show me your source and I will show you mine" fight) is best left out of the Ren Faire circuit all together. Although I enjoyed the concept of the performances as a whole I am against anything that shines a dim light on the hurdy gurdy. I work hard to try to get people to learn HG and I think it is always a struggle when someone doesn't take it serious enough to play it well. So I have to say: overall performance good. HG performance: not so good. Lastly, you will generally find me to keep my fingers away from the keyboard when I have something really bad to say, so know that I am not bashing the group just saying as a dedicated HG player that I hate to see the HG lowered in the eyes of the general public. I also understand that the performance in general was not solely about the HG. Scott
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