Tinker's Circle, The Faery Crossing

"Enthusiasm is required; talent is optional," announces Julius Forwzy, Ambassador to the Faery Crossing, as he opens the Bardic Circle to its participants. Contributions to the Circle are global and eclectic, including English folklore, Belgian and Egyptian tales, Maori and Native American legends. People share original creations or traditional poetry, tales, and songs in local chat or voice. Musical talents are also highlighted as people sing ancient ballads or contemporary songs, or play instrumental music. Hunter's Lyrics Quiz is a regular contest to guess a song and its composer, usually sung a cappella afterwards, appropriate in the al fresco setting. It is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears, as the members of this company gather around a great bonfire amidst the background of a colorful fairground in the medieval style. The audience can relax on plump cushions or cuddle with their sweethearts while appreciating the contributions of this mixed group. One bard added her own visual dimension by donning a costume to enhance her tale in what appears to be a long-standing tradition since the line. "I am dressed this way for a reason," brought a host of gleeful responses and good-natured teasing from the audience.

The Bardic Circle is hosted weekly on Saturdays at 3pm SLT at The Faery Crossing. It was originally planned as an activity to celebrate the official opening in 2007 but the high court decided to host the event regularly. From the beginning, this circle was different from others of its kind where participants were required to formally present their own original work. This particular group valued the idea of boosting confidence by encouraging others to express their talents in the same way that old comrades might gather together to relax and entertain each other. The day featured other contributions such as the classic Longfellow poem The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, a brief and comical version of Shakespeare's Hamlet, an Easter tale, a legend of the swallow's forked tail, a quaint description of the qualities of Joy and Terror, and a rendition on flute of "Rose" from the Titanic movie soundtrack.

The Circle is supportive of newcomers who are encouraged to share their gifts in the company of good friends who are honored by the sharing even when, as is normal, people may slip up or lose their way. There is a great deal of gentle badgering as people nudge and hush each other as any group of friends might do when they have known each other for a long time. Unlike a real life group of performers, however, some of these companions come with alien skin, fur, or cloven hooves and many wear wings in the true spirit of a faery crossing circle. Host Julius Forwzy, who opened the entertainment with a plea that began, "May the spirit that is the inspirer be present in this circle," shares this philosophy of the Bardic Circle, "We are a circle, open but forever unbroken."

The Faery Crossing Calendar