Drake OranwoodEvery year this place and these people sink a little deeper into me. Sat through an incredible feat of performance and an open bardic circle, walked through streets watching people connect and share and love each other, as the sky flickered and flashed with silent lightning and no rain fell for hours.
Tonight was magic. But it’s always magic here.
Need more music if you’re driving up for War Week? Gideon ap Stephen has a new Knowne World Bardcast out, “Reflections on War,” and it features another track from Hidden Gold. I’m honored to share space alongside the likes of Heather Dale, Ken Theriot, Lorelei Skye, Aneleda Falconbridge, Michael Alewright, and Garraed Galbraith. It’s up on iTunes and other podcast downloading spots. Check it out!
If you’re at Pennsic and happen to read this before next Sunday, note that the performer listings in the printed site book have numerous errors, despite Lorelei’s best efforts. All other sources (online, kingdom publications, the Independent) are correct to the best of our knowledge.
My concert is going to be Sunday 6 to 7, but is listed in the book as 6:30 to 7, so people going from the book will miss the first half.
And, as luck would have it, guess who was 3 cars behind us in line for gate.
Heather is only here for the weekend to set up camp, but I’m happy to provide the preview for next Sunday night at my show. 🙂
For those of you heading to The Pennsic War, know that you can find Hidden Gold for purchase at Camelot Treasures (Merchant Booth 30) or Master Kenhelm (Booth 95).
Remember, all proceeds will be donated to early intervention programs for children with special needs. See you there!
If you’re coming to Pennsic and you’re interested in bardic activities, you probably already know about the Bards by Day/Bards by Night listing. But just in case, here is a comprehensive online list compiled by the diligent Lorelei Skye, our Dean of Performing Arts this war.
One final share as we all do our packing for Pennsic. I do have a new song for the war, and it’s the title track from the album: “Hidden Gold”. Yes, I’ve finally written a song with a repeating chorus you can sing along to.
It’s a very personal piece, and a reflection on the Society’s emphasis on mentoring and learning, as well as its values. Enjoy.
As we get ready for Pennsic, I find myself reflecting on what it means to be part of the SCA. Of my songs, the one that speaks to that the most powerfully is “Lady of the Rose”.
Returning home from a week in Boston, the focus is of course going to be on Pennsic prep. It will be a busy one for me (especially since I have an album to promote, and a worthy cause to raise money for). You can buy the CD from Camelot Treasures or Master Kenhelm’s shop, and I should have copies on me if you bump into me first.
Places you will be able to find me if you want to:
So I’ve found a new thing that will be my next thing: voice heralding. Getting to be the MC for a bout at a tourney who announces the combatants, revs up the crowd, and announces the winner. It requires being comfortable as an upbeat shouty person who can project vocally, and have fun. A bit of bardic flair seems to be welcome.
Drake Oranwood