Tag: Beer

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Bardic Around the fire, Strikes again!

Winter is coming, my friends and it’s time for more Bardic!

 

With winter starting to show it’s face and the camping events slowing down, it’s time to keep our bodies and souls warm with the best thing I can think of. Bardic!

Once or twice a year for the last few years I have been running an unoffical gathering at the Inn of Bards Rest. There is a bonfire, potluck and of course, Bardic lubricant. The event is child friendly until 10pm and then the bawdy material may seep its way out.  I try to make this a safe place for all sorts of performers all all levels.

This particular time we have just shy of 30 folks showing up from Maine, Mass., NH and even Vermont. We had performers ranging from age 9 to 60. The fired roared and so many new pieces I have never seen or heard performed happened. One story even made its debut as it was completed being written while the story was being told!

The best part about this was there were folks who showed up only to listen and they grew brave enough with the encouragement of myself as well as those around the circle to perform themselves. It was a magic night especially since the rain held off.

Until next year, when I have a new witty title to name this.

 

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Bardic around the Fire

Now you all know the bards and their songs…

This is the year I won Baronial Bard for Stonemarche. I had made it my mission to make more bardic opportunities, and not just at events. Conversing with Kythe and Sine, they had opened their home at Bard’s Rest if I wanted to run any sort of event. They have a spacious backyard with a bonfire cleverly disguised as a fire-pit, a deck with table space, and ample parking. I decided we were going to have an open Bardic Circle. What attracts Bards more than food and booze?

Okay, maybe bling…

But fire is pretty, and beer is foamy, so two out of three and all that, right?

We set it up for a warm night in June; we prepared by raking the yard, and sending out e-vites about a month prior. We expected maybe ten folks to show up, and that would be enough for me. But lo and behold, 25-30 showed up, far surpassing my meager ideas of success. Thankfully, the table overflowed with food, and the cups *almost* overflowed with beverage, because anything more would be alcohol abuse, and there was enough for everybody.

When it began to grow dark, be gathered around the fire to begin. The format of Pick, Pass, or Play was instituted, and the night really began. We had song, story, and instruments played, and everyone of all skill types and levels had an opportunity to shine. This roared until one in the morning, I’m really glad I had planned on staying the night.

The next morning, not only did my hosts ask for this to occur again, but my Facebook and email inboxes were flooded with similar requests. I made a mental note to not let Cedric tell stories after midnight next time.