"I am just now resting comfortably after having embarked on a good many magical adventures. Indeed, enclosed herein is a souvenir of one of those adventures: this year's (Program Schedule from the 1997) Fort Tryon Park Medieval Festival. As you yourself didst tell me a missive or two ago, predestiny forbade you to join us for our merry little happening at the tip of Northern Manhattan. The enclosed is therefore intended not only to let you know what you missed, but also to provide you with an idea of what you can expect when Festival time doth manifest itself in the late Fall of 1998, mortal-reckoning. But of course, should that alone not be enough, then pray let my words assist in the whetting of your wizardly whistle, so to speak...
"Old friends and new to be found each year during our Festival, Ryleh! For example, the New York Scottish Pipes, Drums and Dancers--the Medieval Festival's official marching band, under the sponsorship of the New York Caledonian Club; E. Michael Markwis' "Les Trouveres"; Jeff Fahringer, who plays the most unusual albeit original medieval instruments; and Meg Donaldson and Greg Jones, back for their second year as "Dott and Slash", the Calms, operators of the Festival's "web sight" (play on words, if you will) where the patrons learn more about Festival performers and musicians--and even purchase samplers of the music played thoughout the Festival!
"Also returning: Jonathan the Storyteller, who didn't join 
us last year and almost missed out on all our fun this year because he couldn't find a place to park (in New York City? Now how about that!); Paulsen's Puppets, whose Dragon is a tad old but still faithful (the same cannot be said of Paulsen's Punch-and-Judy show, which takes on a different kind of "twisted" each year!); the Salomone Trio, who know a thing or two about early Sephardic harmony, which they sing and play with the greatest of ease; and lastly, Merdwin the Mediocre, whom you and I know as a Mage who, like us, fully recognizes the wisdom and courage of dreamers.
"Turning to the newcomers, we welcomed this year: Melissa Blake, aka Clara ("Nimblefingers") Voyant, the psychic pockpicket--er, I mean pickpocket--who assisted the Calms at the "web sight"; Ned Gelfars and Karl Saliter, who took the unprecedented step of inviting everyone onto the tournament field to observe their juggling act up close (Karl did double duty as the notorious Bik the Fool); Shaman, a double husband-and-wife quartet specializing in Celtic music; Triplum (three girls, three recorders, sensibly done music from Henry VIII's Court); Sheherazade and Her Shieks, a Mid-Eastern Dance Troupe; Mince Pye, which was another Early Music band; George of Franzen, who is among the newer Mages in our cluster (I have not yet seen his show, but I'm sure it was a wonderful experience); The Crimson Pirates, who of course shared a few o'their best drinking songs with the fans--and so many others. How I wish I could adequately list all of them!
"As in years past, the most terrific aspect of the Fort Tryon Park Medieval Festival is that you never know who you'll bump into (in costume, of course!)! Why, I had the pleasure of greeting a pair of fairegoers from the Shire of Bergen, in the Realm of Jersey. She was Lady Victoria to his Henry VIII, tho she would not be his seventh bride; and they were joined by a family of very elegantly-clad friends of theirs. Their costumes likewise stood out above the rest. One couple was the Duke and Duchess; the other was Sir William and Lady Eleanor (I forgot what she called herself, actually; I'm sure she identified herself for me properly). Anyway, I wasted no time in befriending all six couples, whom I learned had come to Fort Tryon together from Bergen; and we all got along quite famously!
"This, then, Ryleh, is what our Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park has to offer. Now, be aware that all I have described shall not necessarily be a part of the festivities in 1998; but if you do plan on coming here, I trust you'll make certain about getting an early start. Hopefully, next year's Festival will be the best one ever... I know I ramble, my good Hedgewizard; but there are a good many things worth banging a drum about. And for me, this is one of them!!!"
Author's Note: if you were part of the merriment and magick of the 1997 Fort Tryon Park Medieval Festival, and had procured betimes the services of a Flemish Painter ("camera" in layman's terms), pray be informed that Ryleh is most interested in displaying them here. Simply send them via the Aether unto: --ryleh (at) cswnet.com-- and his faithful Daemon will fetch them to him, posthaste. Whether you were a vendor, performer or patron at this year's Festival boots no ill: your submissions are all welcome!
Ryleh's Note: the above report was excerpted from a lengthy, informative and delightful manuscript posted recently from Squire Washington of New York City. While Ryleh has yet to attend this Festival--and so can make no reccomendations either Yea or Nay--Squire Washington's description of the Festivities (which took place on Sunday, 21 September 1997) certainly suggests it is well worth taking the time/making the effort to see if you are in the area. His report is reprinted here in full, with the Squire's kind permission.
Disclaimer: The map and illustration of medieval dancers appearing in the report, above, are provided here strictly for illustration/educational purposes only. As far as is known, the map and illustration are ©1996, 1997 by The Fort Tryon Park Medieval Festival, who retain all rights pertaining thereto. No infringement of those rights is intended or implied by their presentation herein.
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