The 2019 Festival
For one year shy of a decade, the (imaginary) Mutton and Mead Tavern & Inne and shire would come to life and host a festival. Feel free to explore it below.
2019 Entertainment
Step back into the Middle Ages to the time of daring knights on horseback, fair maidens, mischievous sprites, and jolly jesters! Meet Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men! But don't let the Sheriff of Nottingham see you!
Click on the cover above to see the 2019 Program!
What Entertainment, Spectacles and other amusements shall thee encounter within our gates? Prithee read on!
In addition to Demonstrations, Activities and Shopping, Mutton and Mead is graced with the sounds, sights, and amazing entertainments of many many, many talented performers! Here are a few acts you will not want to miss ...
Joust - Knights on horseback! Chariots! Fierce swordplay!
Cu Dubh - thunderous drums and stirring bagpipes!
Wheel of Death - one brave man on a Giant Spinning Wheel!
Vixens En Garde - fierce witty women, swords, & Shakespeare!
Harmless Danger - madcap comedy show with serious consequences!
Blades of Death - with luck, no bloodshed on St. Bonaduce’s Day!
Birds of Prey - see falcons and hawks, up close!
Robin & Marion - the ceremony, celebration, and happily ever after!
And these are just some of the highlights, see the full list below! The Mutton and Mead Medieval Festival features over 50 shows and spectacles for your enjoyment! To see our (nearly) complete list read on. Have children, check out our Children's Path suggestions. Want to see some video samples, visit us on facebook here!
2019 Performers list:
AYRECRAFT brings music of the Late English Tudor, Jacobean courts and traditional music of Scotland and continental music of the early Baroque to your ears using instruments that are close replicas of the period.
BILLY SHAKES presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Shakespeare’s most beloved comedy. Lost in the woods, four lovers fight for their preferred partner’s affections while mischievous faeries interfere, venture into our enchanted forest to catch select scenes from the show!
BLADES OF DEATH is a comedy knife-throwing show featuring Ichabod Wainwright and his assistant Samantha Stagewonder. Together they will perform feats of balance on a 16-foot high chair stack! Juggling knives, and maybe a little magic for good measure. The Blades of Death show is the only touring show in the world to feature knife throwing at a human target from a slack rope! Simply a must-see!
CARAVAN DANCERS return yet another year, from the farthest lands of the realm! They showcase performances inspired by music from long ago and far, far away. Live musical accompaniment by Diabolic in Musica, Cu Dubh, Ensemble Davuli, Carmine and Friends. Performing: Blue Moon Caravan, Davuli Dance Company, Ki Ra Luna, BodyWave Bellydance and Friends.
CU DUBH (Coo DOO) mixing eastern instrumentation and dance rhythms played on thundering Turkish war drums with dark original compositions played on Highland Bagpipes, they have carved a unique sound that calls back to ancient Celt brethren.
DIABOLIS IN MUSICA blends medieval melodies and instrumentation with modern and international flavors, with a multicultural repertoire that draws from ancient tunes from Europe and the Middle East. Their name is drawn from 6th century’s Pope Gregory’s declarations outlawing of certain musical harmonies as “diabolis in musica” -- the devil’s music. It was... the Rock & Roll of the Dark Ages!
EARLY MUSIC SING featuring singers from the Shire with wondrous harmonies and song!
ED THE WIZARD pulls magic from the air while wandering the Shire streets. Experience the mystical ministrations!
ENCHANTED FOREST is a place to venture and stroll along the path into a magical place! Meet faeries, sprites, trolls, pixies, and other mysterious dwellers of these majestic woods. Come to the Enchanted Gathering! Be on the lookout! There might even be a Parade bringing the faeries out of hiding and through the entire Shire!
FAERIE TALES & STORIE TYME invites Shire children to a storytime gathering with a twist -- your children help write their story with the faeries! Interactive storytime with Raven Moon or Kay Lyons. Hear tales of giants, faeries, and more!
FLIGHTS OF FANTASY -- Ladies Serenity and Modesty tell stories and sing songs about brave heroes and heroines, and misunderstood dragons.
HARMLESS THE DANGER JUGGLER performs a madcap comedy show that is equal parts outrageous silliness and dangerous stunts. Featuring audience participation and more surprises than you can shake a baby at, it’s a funny juggling show with serious consequences.
HARPER’S HALL may be found strolling the streets filling the air with sweet music and at their Harper’s Hall. Piper the Pied Harpist pauses in her strolling to welcome students of all ages to explore the Celtic Harp, with miniature harps circulated for the young harpers-in-training! Embrace the Harper inside you, explore different harps, learn some string theory, and dress the part for a portrait! Come find us in the Enchanted Forest!
JOLLY JESTERS will amaze you! This is a Medieval Circus that will delight all manner of folks with their feats of dexterity, juggling, balancing, tumbling and acrobatics, spiced with buffoonery. Partake in their on-the-fly juggling lessons!
JOUST! Witness sword fighting, death defying stunts, trick riding, two-horse chariot, ladies in majestic gowns, the grandeur of warhorses, and all the pomp and pageantry you expect in a Royal Joust. Step back in time and be part of an event fit for kings, queens, and commoners alike! By DeBracey Productions.
THE KING’S BUSKETEERS This trio of traveling troubadours will charm you with their rousing drinking songs, love and murder ballads, and roguish humor.
L.I.A.R.S. The Ladies of Integrity, Aristocracy, Repute, and Society are a troupe of reformed wenches with delusions of standing. Pop by any of their stage shows, or find them while busking, and let the Ladies serenade you with their lovely harmonies, or raise your spirits as they merrily sing traditional folk music!
LORD POMMEROI’S MINSTRELS are seven skilled and slightly scurrilous songsmiths who wander this faire in the service of serenading Lord Pommeroi, to compound his consequence. You may also enjoy a touch of ribaldry at one or both performances of BB Bach’s Bawdy Ball.
MELA are two folk-faeries that have traveled the world and can be found in our Enchanted Forest. Their name is a Sanskrit word meaning “gathering of people” or “festival,” and their spiritual and musical energies bring humans together through their songs, playfulness, Earth-magic, harmonies, and world instruments.
MISFITS OF AVALON features Brian Weiland on the ancient and enchanting hammered dulcimer and mandolin, his son Aiden Weiland on fiddle, and Max Cohen on guitar and vocals. Be delighted by the beautiful and uplifting sounds of traditional contemporary Celtic music.
MUSICAL NOMADS Vibrant music that crosses boundaries and borders, borrowing from European, Middle Eastern, and South American traditions. Let the melodies and rhythms of distant lands take you on a magic carpet ride around the world and back! Multi-instrumentalists Levi Ali and Nathaniel Johnstone create a magical soundscape using violin, guitar, and percussion.
MORRIS DANCING in a variety of styles will be performed throughout the day by various groups in the area.
PAST TIMES PRESENT is a duo of singer, songwriter, storyteller historian musicians who bring the past to life through interactive encounters of a living musical history kind. Their ditties will tickle you as their wit charms you.
POGGIO BRACCIOLINI–world class tumbler and somnambulist. This wandering clown will draw you in sight unseen. Behold his expert backward tumble. He may even perform an encore.
ROBIE BONES performs on instruments including cow rib bones, pipe and tabor, wooden whistles and bodhrans. Be drawn in ... try your hand at some music yourself!
ROOTED REALMS in the Enchanted Forest is a New England-based collaborative project featuring local dancers, actors, acrobats, artists, and musicians.
SKELETON CREW THEATER brings magical and monstrous beings to life - meet Trolls, Fates, and a living, speaking Tree.
VIXENS EN GARDE has beautiful women armed to the teeth who bring Shakespeare to life! This fast-paced interactive swordfighting comedy show will keep you on the edge of your seat as only the Vixens En Garde can!
THE WANDERING WARBLERS flit through the faire, filling the air with their sweet chirping melodies and songs about love and birds. Featuring the lovely Lizzie Lark on lute, joined by Nesta Nightingale, Wilhemena Wren, and Winifred Whipporwill (in other realms known as Kathy Fey, Michelle Chaikin, Emily Samuels, and Pamela Smith).
WHEEL OF DEATH is a high-flying acrobatic stunt show featuring the world’s only Wooden Wheel of Death and the Master of Momentum himself, Ichabod Wainwright! Ichabod will run, jump, flip, and juggle flaming axes all while running around his 30-foot tall Wheel of Death!
2019 Vendor List
Mutton and Mead is pleased to welcome these fine vendors to the 2019 festival! The list is constantly being updated, so check back often to find new and exciting additions!
Enjoy a pint of our best mead and ales...
Smell the delicious aroma of roasting mutton...
Wander our Artisan Marketplace in search of unique trinkets for sale...
Foods of the realm
All Things Maple: Fried dough with maple cream, maple popcorn, and other New England maple goodness. Shelburne Falls.
http://allthingsmaple.infoBergie’s Fresh Cut French Fries: Fresh cut and cooked French fries and sweet potato fries. Gill.
Cakes by Reba: Cookies, brownies, cupcakes, bars, quick breads, and other baked goods including some gluten free options. Hot and cold beverages. North Adams.
Cliff’s Smokin’ Backyard BBQ: Smoked turkey legs, pulled pork, smoked mutton, and the famous Moink Balls (a large meatball wrapped in bacon and smoked). Buckland.
http://cliffssmokinbackyardbbq.comCrooked Stick Pops: Small batch locally sourced ice pops. Flavors include orange cream, raspberry, strawberry lemonade, blueberry lavender, and more. Easthampton.
http://crookedstickpops.comDel’s Lemonade: Delicious and refreshing frozen lemonade.
Diemand Farm: Turkey Legs! BBQ pulled turkey sandwiches, baked potatoes, vegan chili, meat pies, lamb stew, and cole slaw. All meats raised on the family farm. Wendell.
http://thediemandfarm.comDragon Ice Cream: Ice cream bars, frozen fruit bars, fudge bars, and flavored water ice ... in two Dragon Pushcarts!
Girls Club of Greenfield: Famous Cheesecake Penguins!
https://www.girlsclubofgreenfield.orgHattapon’s Thai Kitchen: Thai food by local Thai restaurant owners. Greenfield.
Kailash Kitchen: Authentic handmade Tibetan dumplings and sides using all local ingredients. http://www.kailashkitchen.com/
The Lilypad: Vietnamese sandwiches including meat and vegetarian. Hadley.
Locally Brewed Donuts: Fresh Donuts made on-site using local micro brews and cider. Granby.
Poppie’s Concessions: Lamb or chicken gyros, and sausage and steak sandwiches. Cummington.
https://poppiesconcessions.com/Rachel’s Super Smoothies: Fruit and greens smoothies; homemade turkey pot pie.
Scoop Shack: Ice cream, milkshakes, fruit smoothies, and beverages. Colrain.
Wicked Awesome Eats: Quesadillas with monterey jack/cheddar cheese -- varieties include chicken, BBQ, steak, veggie, and jalapeno pepper. Greenfield.
White Buffalo Herbs: Organic herbal apothecary including 100+ organic, hand-made herbals & aromatherapy items plus organic “Magic Mint” iced herb tea by the cup. Warwick.
http://www.whitebuffaloherbs.com/
Merchant Goods & wears
Amalgamated Funk and Finery: Hand-made Victorian and fantasy accessories that are fun to wear everyday.
https://amalgamatedfunk.com/Antika Nueva: Wire art jewelry, herbal soaps and salves, costume pieces, and accessories.
https://www.antikanueva.com/Auntie Arwen’s Spices: Over 450 different spice blends from around the world. The East Coast’s only distributor of Danish Viking Smoked Salt (shh, it smells like bacon).
https://www.auntiearwenspices.com/Black Swan Armoury: Wooden swords, shields, bows, and fantasy weaponry.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/adventurearmouryBlackbird Leatherworks: Hand-made leather pouches, bags, and belts; feather earrings and horn headbands. Demonstration of leather working.
https://www.facebook.com/blackbird.leatherworks/Blackthorn Prints: Original inked drawings screen-printed onto shirts, hoodies, patches, and paper. Pelham.
https://www.facebook.com/blackthornprints/Blue Farmhouse Linen: Handmade linen clothing for both everyday and festival wear in rustic tones and sizes to fit everyone.
Branch & Beak: Botanical elixirs, potions, anointing oils, bath magick, and practical use. Montague.
http://www.branchandbeak.com/Cara Finch Fine Art: Acrylic paintings of nature by Cara Finch. Original paintings and giclee prints. Greenfield.
https://www.cfinchart.net/Code Cobalt Tarot: Tarot card readings. Springfield.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/avantblueColchis Forge: Fine jewelry such as pendants, hammered rings, bracelets and earrings each a one of a kind work.
https://colchisforge.wixsite.com/colchisforgeContessa Esselia’s Curiosities: Hand-made leather masquerade masks, leather bracers, belt pouches, hair clips, eye patches, and bracelets.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/contessaesselia/Cornerstone Creations: High grade concrete statuary, benches, birdbaths, wall and fence hangings, bird feeders, and stepping stones. Sturbridge.
Critically Clean: Fantasy and gaming bath products. Soaps, bath bombs, lotion bars, salt scrubs and more.
http://etsy.com/shop/criticallycleanThe Dimpled Dragon: Hand-made corsets and medieval clothing. Each beautiful item is one-of-a-kind. All locally made by Jacquelyn. Turners Falls.
Do Not Pet: Locally hand-made items including jewelry, plants, fairy gardens; dream catchers and wind chimes. Turners Falls.
Doctor Gus Designs: Fine hand crafted pewter creations. Art and accessories of excellence for the distinguished.
http://www.doctor-gus.comDragons Nest Designs: Specializing in handcrafted Gothic, Medieval, New age, Steampunk, and Renaissance products and accessories. Dragons nest designs is your NEST.
http://dragonsnestdesigns.comDragonSwag by Mamma Bones: Hand-knitted scalemail accessories including dragon eggs, full arm sleeves, dice bags, cauldrons, and more. Springfield.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/bisouknitsDrawn and Quartered: Medieval/Renaissance themed caricatures as well as other themed prints of original art. Chicopee.
Emazanti Creations: Custom-made period clothing for ladies and gentlemen, hand-made beaded jewelry, and accessories of all kinds.
Enchanted Glen/Luna Rosa: Fairy skirts, head wreaths, wands, and wings. Hand-made knights’ tabards, cuddly plush creatures, lace parasols, fans, and much more.
Esme’s Heart Pockets: Hand-made heart pockets, wishing cats, the new Lucky Witch Animal Totem Brooms. Adams.
http://esmesheartpockets.com/Faire Crown Cottage: Hand-made flower and gem stone crowns.
http://faireycrowns.com/Fairie Tailor: Hats, capes, pirate wear, bandanas, and dew rags
Forge and Fleece: Fine chainmail and scalemail armor, jewelry, and costume pieces. Specializing in dragon tails. Amherst.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/forgeandfleece.Frank Allen’s Farm Market: All natural Moose antler dog chews from sheds.
Fun Times Jewelry: Jewelry, gemstone spheres and animals, and ceramic mythical creatures.
Glass Sails: Flame-worked borosilicate glass art. Featured items are lively octopus sculptures. All made by the artist in her RI studio.
http://www.glasssails.com/Glass Wings and Gypsy Things: Fairy wings, skirts, crowns, masks, bottles, jewelry, and home décor; fairy garden things. Greenfield.
Gray Raven Farm: All-natural, hand-crafted, locally produced goat milk soap and goat milk & honey lotions. Individually made beeswax candles.
https://grayravenfarm.net/index.htmlGreen River Woodcraft: Traditional longbows made from a single piece of wood harvested from local forests, handcrafted in the English and native style. Wooden furniture, decorative items, and bowls. Deerfield.
https://greenriverwoodcraft.com/Gretchen Wetherby, LMT: Massage therapy. Millers Falls.
http://gretchenwetherby.massagetherapy.com/Gypsy Hair LLC: Hair braiding service; including wool dread extensions & felted hats.
Henna Inspired: Freehand-drawn henna body art and henna-style artwork -- using all-natural, hand-made henna paste.
https://www.hennainspired.com/Hickory Arms: Hand-crafted hickory practice swords and adventure collectibles.
https://hickoryarmsonline.com/Just in Tyme Boots: Leather boots, gloves, and accessories.
https://justintymeboots.weebly.com/Karen’s Crowns and Hats: Specializing in hand-stitched fairy and unicorn designs, and a variety of hand-made hats. Oakham.
Knight Owl Studios Hand-dyed wearables; natural fibers with a boho/hippie vibe.
Knitting Metal: Hand-made chainemaille jewelry. Finger rings to larger statement necklaces.
http://knittingmetal.com/Lady Jewel’s Hair Garlands: Silk flower hair garlands, fairy tutu skirts, fairy feather/flower wands. All items hand-made by Jodie.
https://www.ladyjewelshairgarlands.com/Lakers Acres: Wood art made with chainsaw and chisel including walking sticks, sculptures, and carved figurines. Crocheted bearded hats, viking hats, and knights’ hats. Orange.
Laughing Hyena Studios: Maker of fine wands from local and exotic woods. Also providing wand holders of the most sturdy materials and craftsmanship.
Legendary Leathercrafts: Hand-made leather masks, armor, pouches, journals, and accessories.
http://www.legendaryleathercrafts.com/Lilla Rose Haircessories: Beautiful, comfortable, durable haircessories. Their unique “Flexi-Clip” comes in seven sizes for all lengths of hair, and can also fasten scarves or shawls. Templeton.
http://www.lillarose.biz/MoniqueKrestynLost Boys Leathers: Hand-made leather goods and clothing, jewelry, cutlery, knives, swords, and axes.
Made by Hand Leather: Leather armor and accessories, latex weapons, shields, and plate armor.
Meadhall Outfitters: Medieval/historic clothing and accessories. Corsets; clothing for men and women. Leather goods and shiny things. Stuffed sewer rats!
Medieval Maiden Soaps: Hand-crafted luxury bath items including soaps, bath bombs, lip balms, and candles. Gardner.
MeMe Creations: Hand-crafted walking sticks and canes made with gathered sticks and bark; crocheted snoods and other items. Montague.
Mermaid’s Baubles: Vintage shell art and wearable accessories, hand-crafted from natural seashells, pearls, and other sea treasuers.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/mermaidsbaublesMidnight Orchid Design: Hand-made, up-cycled bellydance, rennfaire, steampunk, men’s wear, streetwear.
http://midnightorchiddesign.com/Mischief and Mirth Studios: Hand-crafted leather masks and accessories including hair pieces, headbands, wrist cuffs, and more. Hand-dyed and spun yarn, hand dyed fiber, spinning kits, and shawls. Sturbridge.
Moldavite Dreams: Hand-made silver jewelry, rocks, crystals, and fossils. Crafts including bath salts, bath herbs, bath bombs, body butter, and potpourri sachets. Greenfield.
https://moldavitedreams.com/Moon Dragon Designs: All hand-made capes, cloaks, kaftans, caplets, Irish knit hand warmers, and jewelry of many varieties.
http://www.moondragondesigns.com/store/Mountain Greenery Designs: Jewelry, woven belts, beaded purses. Bernardston.
My Magical Emporium: All-natural herbal medicines, herbal oils, healing stones, relaxing facial cleaners, and cleansing bars.
https://mymagicalemporium.com/Mystical Inspirations: Hand-made wire wrapping sculptures, elf ears, headpieces, and jewelry. Acrylic paintings; canvas, boxes, and rocks.
http://www.mysticalinspirations.net/Nova Luxe Studios: Hand-made wire trees in various forms and large hanging crystals to catch the sun. Southampton.
https://novaluxestudios.thedesertinde.com/Odette Crowns with Stephisms: Hand-made, unique headpieces, bows, and bags that are heavy duty and funky with compartments for modern times. Southwick.
Paisley Peacock Body Arts: Fabulous face painting, glitter body art and wearable unicorn horns. Northampton.
http://www.paisleypeacockbodyarts.com/Purely Pixie: Princess and fairy tutu dresses; enchanted wings for wee fairies and the grownup Fae. Hooded cloaks, shirts, skirts, and pixie wear. Northfield.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbymelanieRachel’s Renaissance Braiding: Stop by and get your beautiful hairdo for faire day and beyond. Montague.
http://rachelsweddingstyles.com/index.htmlRaybells’s Handmade: Wrap bracelets, jewelry, and whimsicle crochet items and flowers with butterflies and fairies on them. Adams.
Riri’s Pottery Haus: Functional wheel-thrown pottery featuring exquisite original sculpture patterns.
http://ririspotteryhaus.com/Rose Star Emporium: Fantasy clothing and jewelry including chandelier prism jewelry, Josephine knot & Celtic braided chokers and cuff bracelets with charms.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseStarEmporiumRunning Dog Pottery: Hand-thrown stoneware pottery in the medieval style. Demonstrations of wheel pottery techniques.
Sacred Lore Herbal LLC: Hand-crafted herbal products including teas, tinctures, skin care, bath, body and aromatherapy.
https://sacredlore.com/Sew Relaxing: Hand-made aromatherapy hot/cold pillows in a variety of sizes. Fifteen different essential oils. Athol.
https://sewrelaxing.net/Strange Earth Crafts: Chainmail and other jewelry, as well as small crafts made out of polymer clay. Easthampton.
Sunset Luna Art. Stained glass, vinyl decals, buttons, watercolor illustrations in nature and fantasy themes. Keene.
http://www.sunsetlunaart.com/Tea & Absinthe: Gourmet loose leaf teas, tea ware, gypsy/fairy clothing, parasols, and more. https://www.teaandabsinthe.com/
The Tatterdemalion: Fine clothing and costume items for all, hand-made by Amy, in her beautiful hand-painted tent. Cummington.
https://www.thetatterdemalion.com/Thirsty Thor’s: Viking style drinking horns and tankards. Amherst.
Tia Kinsman Art: Tiny tapestries, hand-made original cameo paintings, and fine art Fitchburg.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/tiakinsmanartTintagels Gate: Faire items -- swords, daggers, dragons, fairies, herbs, clothing, books, and tarot cards. Athol.
https://tintagelsgate.com/Van Ness Woodcrafts: 100% hand-made woodcrafts with hand wood-burned designs. Tankards, mead cups, game boards, one-of-a-kind boxe.
https://www.vannesswoodcrafts.com/Wild Fae Arts: Hand-made iridescent faeries wings, original fantasy art prints and cards. Leverett.
https://www.wildfaearts.com/Willow’s Creatures: Magical, mythical, or mundane crocheted creatures; dragons of all sizes, dolls, resin and clay jewelry.
Witchcrafting Company LLC: Rnes art, dreamcatchers, jewelry, portable altars, pendulum boards; handcrafted from ethically sourced materials.
Wrap It Up: Hand-crafted copper jewelry and hair accessories made from unused electrical wiring. Bejeweled hair forks gently curved to fit your head. Southampton.
