History of The Court Revelers

The Court Revelers was established by three alumni of The Revelers (a performing ensemble at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival) in 2003. Many of the current Court Revelers are also alumni of The Revelers. Soprano and Musical Director Nan Miller, Alto Deborah Mullen and Bass Reid Hegland joined together after their former group was disbanded by its director to continue the legacy of performance excellence and musical fun. Of the original group, twelve of the former Revelers chose to join in the newly created The Court Revelers in 2003. Since that time changes in personnel have occurred resulting in the group becoming the long desired balance of 4 on a part.

In 2004 The Court Revelers realized a long held dream to record a CD of some of their favorite songs. Stealing a line from The Court Reveler's usual introduction in The Feast of Fantasy at MRF by the Feast Masters Jim Cunningham and Lazlo Nemesi, the CD was entitled "A Few of My Close, Personal Friends". The title is reflective of the group's camaraderie as well as the recognition of our many loyal fans who urged us to record. Recorded in one evening during the festival run, the CD was a successful first venture for the group.

In 2006 the group recorded its second CD, "The Limerick Lounge", which includes more favorite tunes, and some of the best (well…cleanest) limericks that TCR uses in its "Feast of Fantasy" appearances.

A third CD, “Seraph Quire Singeth” added in August, 2009, contains traditional, new and some seldom heard holiday music. 

The Music

The Court Revelers endeavor to include a blend of madrigals written in the Renaissance period, as well as traditional pub sing-along songs, and a few contemporary songs disguised as Renaissance songs. Our favorite composers are Orlando di Lasso, John Dowling, The Beatles and our own Dana M. Baird. We attempt to achieve a balance between the beautifully lively and the simply lovely.

Some of our members are talented composers, lyricists and arrangers who have contributed to our repertoire.  Dana Baird and Nan Miller have contributed original songs, Nan has arranged many of our pieces, and many of our members have contributed lyrics to old songs, and new.  (see our CD credits)

The Performances at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival

The Court Revelers continue a tradition of heralding MRF's Feast of Fantasy with song, and joining the diners later for a few songs and some chat. They have six regularly scheduled performances outside of the Feast. Mornings one finds them serenading the Royal family inside the front gate, later that morning at the King's Arbor Stage.  Mid afternoon they are again at the King’s Arbor Stage, and visit the Royal Tea.  Late in the afternoon they can be found in The Queen's Pub for their pub set of madrigals, pub songs and sea chanties, and finally, just as the festival is closing they can be found inside the Gate, singing their blessings on Festival Guests as they depart.  Otherwise the group can be found providing music at Festival Events: leading music at the Opening of the Gate Show and The Royal Reception; at specific events, such as the Wooing Contest, The Garter Ceremony, The Royal Recognition of Artisans and Performers, and others; or found on the grounds or in shops serenading guests and shopkeepers

The Performances outside the Minnesota Renaissance Festival


The Court Revelers also can be hired to sing at corporate, community or private events. During the Christmas season, they can change from Renaissance singers to Victorian carolers or contemporary black tie performers to regale your guests with songs of the season. Generally these performances are done by a quartet or octet of the group.

The Court Revelers were also seen in The Cathedral of St. Mark's production of "A Dinner with Dickens" with Reid Hegland as Charles Dickens, Dana Baird as his wife, Kate, Nan Miller as Kate's aunt, and Marcus Coker as family friend Ebenezer Lovell. The four do a staged reading of the beloved Dickens story "A Christmas Carol" between the courses of a sumptuous meal, and stroll among the guests singing carols at their tables during the meal.

The Organization

The Court Revelers operates as a cooperative, consensus run organization. Several members take on leadership responsibilities in different areas. There is no director in a traditional sense of the word, although the music director acts as the public contact person. Harmony, mutual respect and fun are our bywords.

Biographies of Current Members

Sopranos Altos Tenors Basses

All recordings on this site © copyright The Court Revelers 2004, 2006, & 2009.  Simiea Stridentes Logo ©copyright The Court Revelers.  Photographs ©copyright Kae Lynn Caston, Chris Nash, and others.  Minnesota Renaissance Festival ©copyright Mid-America Festivals.  Unauthorized reproduction prohibited under applicable laws.