Faerieworlds Winter 2010 Celebration: “Bad Faeries” Masquerade Ball
Bad Faeries Masquerade Ball - Faerieworlds Winter Celebration 2010
Faerieworlds Winter 2010 * McDonald Theater * Eugene, Oregon * January 30, 2010 * 7:30-12:30 *
An amazing night following the Good Faeries Night at the 2010 Winter Celebration of Faerieworlds was the notorious “Bad Faeries Night”. For this celebration, it was by far my favorite of the activities spun for the three day event. The doors to Faerieworlds opened up around 7:30 pm, with several merchants in the hall hawking their steampunk and faerie wares; costumes galore with steampunk influence, and kids dancing in the theater awaiting the amazing acts. Blossomed forth from the infamously successful Summer Faerie Festival extravaganza … Faerieworlds … comes a rather new evolution of their festival - The Winter Celebration. Hosted indoors similar to a “Con” rather than a “Festival” … partakers of the merriment gathered together to celebrate Imbolc and the season of Winter with concerts at the McDonald Theater and a marketplace during the day with workshops, activities, and performances at the Lane Events Center in radical Eugene, Oregon. The second night of the event was the “Bad Faeries Masquerade Ball” held exclusively in the McDonald Theater. The Steampunk costumes were amazing. Adam Hurst did a fantastic performance warming up the stage afterwhich was taken over by Seattle’s Steampunk band “Abney Park“. Then Kelly and her bellydance troupe did an Amazing Dryad Imbolc Rite with mesmerizing tree spirits dancing in the moonlight. The evening was concluded with the ethereal and stunning performance of Zoe Jakes and Beats Antique. Simply Amazing Evening. Of course it ended too soon … just after midnight … but all good things must come to an end. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.
Zoe Jakes and Beats Antique @ Faerieworlds Winter 2010
Zoe Jakes and Beats Antique
* Faerieworlds Winter 2010 Celebration * McDonald Theater * Eugene, Oregon * January 30th, 2010 * 11:00-12:30 *
* http://www.beatsantique.com/ * myspace.com/beatsantique * zoebellydance.com * theindigo.net *
Bad Faeries Masquerade Ball couldn’t be more spectacular then to end with a mesmerizing and enchanting performance by Zoe Jakes and Beats Antique. One of my new favorites … Beats Antique with Zoe Jakes … what an incredible display of style, grace, tribal fusion, beats, and sheer art. Zoë Jakes & Beats Antique is a fusion trio of star American Tribal Fusion bellydancer Zoe Jakes teamed together with Electronic beats DJ’s/musicians David Satori (laptop DJ remix artist; guitar; violin) & Tommy Chappel (laptop DJ remix artist; hand drums). Zoe Jakes often dances with the “Indigo Belly Dance Company” with Rachel Brice and Mardi Love. Zoe specializes in ATS (American Tribal Style) and Tribal fusion mixed with hip-hop pops and locks. Beats Antique has produced a digital EP called “Contraption Vol. 1″ composed of glitch-rock, dub, world music, electronic compilations. Since ATS and Tribal fusion are the styles of bellydance I’ve been learning over the last year, I was in utmost awe to see one of my favorite dancer inspirations. This was my second time I’ve been blessed with seeing them perform. Major kudos for the mesmerizing and enchanting performance! Completely blessed my night. Rating: 5 stars out of 5. Official Photogallery of Zoe Jakes and Beats Antique can be found at the Faerieworlds web site.
Faerie Fashion at Faerieworlds Winter Celebration 2010
Faerie Fashion By Flux Magazine
Faerieworlds Winter Celebration * Faerie Marketplace * Lane County Event Center * Eugene, Oregon * Saturday, January 30, 2010 *
Talented student writers, interviewers, and photographers came to the Faerieworlds Marketplace to get a grasp on what exactly Faerie Fashion is. Here in this Youtube video is a few interviews from participants attending the event. The article can be found at : http://www.fluxstories.com/2010/03/fairies-do-exist/. I was honored to be one of the handful selected for interview and photos. The youtube and video encompassed only the daytime costumery and fashion that didn’t embrace the phenomenal steampunk influenced threads in the evening of “Bad Faeries” Masquerade Ball. The artists and interviewers did a great job and wrote a wonderful article that you can read above, or below where I’ve archived for my own collection of memories of the event.
Fairies Do Exist
http://www.fluxstories.com/2010/03/fairies-do-exist/
Text by Bronwynn Manaois, Video by Rachelle Hacmac.
As I walk through the arches of the McDonald Theatre, I hear the words to an old Joe Jackson song in my head: “I stepped into, I stepped into, into another, into another world.” I am instantly bombarded by grown women wearing fairie wings .Men in top hats and goggles look as if they have just stepped off the time machine. Elven points adorn the ears of spritely looking fellows, and the ”bad fairies” come dressed in black lace and even blacker stares. Angels walk the hall with dragons, and witches cackle from the corners. Everywhere is mischief and magic. This is Fairieworlds. The Bad Fairie Masquerade Ball, to be exact. I had prepared accordingly. Knowing that anyone daring to venture into this territory without the proper accoutrements would be scorned, banished, or maybe even pixie-led, I dressed as my natural world alter-ego, The Mobster Fairie. Complete with a gun belt on my thigh (packing only a child’s water-gun, not loaded) and a flapper-esque dress, I was allowed to pass through the realm undetected.
The Green Man, the archetypal embodiment of nature in British-Isle lore, whistles at me from his perch on the stairs. Fairies fix their wings in the bathroom mirrors while gnomes and goblins imbibe in the bars. It’s like a night-club for the otherworld, a scene straight out of Labyrinth with David Bowie singing to me from the balcony. I feel right at home.
For the past four summers, I have attended the Fairieworlds festival held outside of Eugene. The three-day event takes place on Lughnassah, an ancient Celtic rite marking the midsummer point. My own Celtic heritage is greeted warmly at Fairieworlds, where tribes of people gather from throughout the nation, and even the globe. This convergence of like-minded folks is a haven for those who choose to practice ancient, nature-based religions and for those who simply like to dress up.
The wild popularity of this gathering is matched by one in the rolling hills of my hometown, Glen Rock, Pennsylvania. The 20-year-old Spoutwood Farm Fairie Festival has been host to tens of thousands of nature spirits each May Day. The Spoutwood Festival is held on the first weekend of May, which is believed to hold the budding, fertile energy of all that is Spring. Both festivals draw international Celtic and mystical musicians, and a Renaissance fair-like atmosphere of artisans. The canvas tents, resembling a village from a time long gone, boast handmade treasures. There’s pottery, jewelry, fantasy art, and delicious food. Fairie wings, Pan horns, and clothing to satisfy even the sauciest wench pour from old wooden chests. There is a sense of history and place, but also of magic. The pennants flying in the breeze above the encampment whisper ancient secrets.
Revelers come to these festivals to pay homage to an old way of being that still has merit in our modern world. The dizzying pace of communication is slowed to a natural rhythm. Some folks attend as a sort of spiritual retreat, a respite from the everyday, a safe place to worship.
Here, imagination is alive and well and creativity is celebrated. You can come as you are or what you dream to be. Smoke pours from the stage as Zoe Jakes, the bellydancer accompanying Beats Antique, takes the stage. Her presence is electric, the crowd is mesmerized by her undulations. The music, a mix of ancient and modern, transforms the theatre into a swaying sea of glitter and feathers.
Prior to this, sound pirates Abney Park called the fairies to the dance. With an eclectic mix of instruments, they set the wheels in motion. The highlight of the evening was the mid-winter ritual. The symbolic crone passed her light on to the sleeping trees, whispering the prayers that stir them to life. The Green Man and storyteller Mark Lewis teach the audience to become like the rain. We listen as we start with a soft pitter-pat and swell to a deluge, sweetly finishing like the dew. There was magic that night, made through the intentions of the winged crowd.
When I step outside of the theatre, something in the air shifts. Maybe it was the wind caused by the rushing cars. Maybe it was my overactive, story-telling imagination. But maybe, just maybe, there was something else. As I walk down the city street, a soft mist forms, and I notice the first tiny buds growing on the trees. [see article link above for full text and photos ].
Windsor Ruins (Mississippi)
Windsor Ruins
Bruinsburg, Mississippi
One of Mississippi’s most fantastic secrets, hidden away in the swamps out in the middle of nowhere, are the ghostly remains of the Windsor plantation. The Windsor plantation was built from 1859-1861. The plantation was built, owned, and first inhabited by Smith Daniell who only was able to live in the mansion for a few weeks before he passed away at age 34. Smith Coffee Daniell II was born in 1826 as a son of a Indian fighter turned farmer. He was married to his cousin Chatherine Freeland (1830-1903) who bore him three children. Construction of the mansion cost him $175,000 to build it which included its furnishings. It was built with slave labor. The construction was designed by David Shroder. The original grounds were well over 2,600 acres. Atop the mansion was a roof observatory where Mark Twain would muse over the Mississippi River that inspired his works of art. Twain compared the plantation to a college instead of residence because of how large the plantation was. This observatory was also home to signal equipment that would notify Confederate troops of Yankee movement. The mansion was fixed with elaborate furnishings in its beginning, hosting wrought iron staircases to get from each of the four floors. Tanks resided in the attic to provide water for the baths within. There was 25 rooms with 25 fireplaces, a basement with a school room, dairy, commissary, doctor’s office, and plenty of storage rooms. The main floor held the master bedroom, a bath, 2 parlors, a study, a dining room, and a library. The third floor were 9 more bedrooms and an additional bath. The fourth floor held a unfinished ballroom. The roof held an observatory. It was a distinct portrayal of Southern Life during its era. The Mansion saw a bit of death - from Smith Daniell’s death to a yankee who was shot in the front doorway. Other deaths took place when the mansion once served as a union hospital and observation post during the civil war. Its involvement in the Civil War as a hospital saved it from being burned down to the ground during the Civil War. After the War it was burnt down during an accidental fire involving a misplaced cigar on the upper balcony during a house party on February 17, 1890. After the fire, it was never rebuilt. Parts of the mansion were scavenged, and even the wrought iron staircase found its home at nearby Alcorn State University. All that remain of the ruins is the foundation and the 23 - 30′ high Corinthian columns, some pieces of broken china, a set of wrought iron stairs, and portions of the balustrade. The Ruins have become famous, especially by Hollywood, as it was used as a setting for films such as “Raintree Country” (1957) and “Ghosts of Mississippi”. The property is now owned and maintained by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 23, 1971. The Ruins are located 12 miles southwest of Port Gibson off Highway 552. Also of interest in the area is the Ghost town of Rodney. A must see for any history buff. Rating : 5 stars out of 5. Visited 6/22/2005.
Abney Park @ Faerieworlds Winter Celebration (1/30/2010)
Abney Park
Abney Park
* Faerieworlds Winter 2010 Celebration * McDonald Theater * Eugene, Oregon * January 30th, 2010 * 9:00-10:30 *
I’ve always been a fan from of Abney Park’s music, but this was an absolute pleasure to see them live, especially at Faerieworlds where the Faeries and otherworldly folk seasoned their outfits Steampunk style. The audience was absolutely rocketted and propelled with intense energy. A Seattle based band - Abney Park to many is the definition of “Steampunk” music. They since about Steampunk culture - about “A time that we wish had bee, a time where airships waged war in the skies, and corsets and cummerbunds were proper adventuring attire”. They definitely have a unique decorative style and influence. I was quite impressed. A goth/industrial band that resides in Seattle, Washington enchanting their audiences for over 12 years. They portray Steampunk airship pirates as crew members of the HMS Ophelia, a British Navy Zeppelin rampaging the skies in the fictional worlds influenced by time travel, Jules Vern, and the Victorian age. The band is not only flavored by Steampunk and Techno-Time travelling pirate and gypsy dress, belly dancers, and astounding outfits but armed with post-apocalyptic clockwork guitars, swashbuckling flintlock bass, middleastern instruments, violins, and Tesla powered keyboards. The Band consists of Robert “Dread Captain Robert” Brown who does lead vocals and songwriting playing the darbuka, diatonic button accordian, jembe, harmonica, and other instruments; teamed with Kristina “Angel” Erickson also on vocals, with navigation, keyboards, and flair; Daniel C on bass and pocket guitar; Jody Ellen on vocals; and Nathaniel “Two Sheds” Johnstone on guitar, violin, mandolin, bouzouki, and other such instruments. This band is absolutely fabulous and multi-talented. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.
Abney Park
Ring of Fire (Eugene, Oregon)
Ring of Fire
* 1099 Chambers Street * Eugene, OR 97402-3706 * (541) 344-6475 * www.ringoffirerestaurant.com
A great Thai restaurant on the outskirts of downtown in Eugene, Oregon. Its been awhile since I’ve actually dined there (several years) but recently went for drinks with a friend and pleased by the fabulous service. Had the Thai Iced Tea that was spiked with Vodka. Menu and drinks were a bit pricey, but the ambiance worth its weight. Good service and friendly servers. Rating: 4 stars out of 5.
Rose and Thistle Fish n’ Chips (Eugene, Oregon)
Rose & Thistle Fish n’ Chips, Eugene, Oregon
Rose and Thistle Fish n’ Chips
* 398 East 11th Avenue * Eugene, OR 97401-3246 * (541) 343-2244 *
A great little mom n’ pop hole in the wall fish n’ chips joint with a British atmosphere. Reminded me a bit of doing fish n’ chips in Britain. The elderly couple that was working appear to be the owners and were very friendly, hospitable, and mixed up a mean seafood combination. I very much enjoyed my visit. I have fond memories of this restaurant from when I used to live in Eugene. Affordable, friendly, and good service. Rating: 4 stars out of 5.
Seafood Combination
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Faerieworlds Winter 2010 Market (1/30/10 - Eugene, Oregon)
Faerieworlds Winter 2010 Market
Faerieworlds Winter Celebration Market 2010
* January 30th, 2010 * Lane Center * Faerieworlds Winter 2010 * Eugene, Oregon *
Out of the two days of the Faerie Market, I was only able to do Saturday as I had a flight out of Portland on Sunday. Alot of the wonderful Faerie vendors one have come to know from Faerieworlds Summer were there, with I imagine a few new ones. Great art, clothes, jewelry, crafts, and gifts. I’ll be honest though, I’m not a fan of faerie arts being indoors … and while its understandable for winter (rain outside even on this date) and it was aimed for large attendance, having it at the fairgrounds exhibit hall / auditorium was just too “boxy” and hard to absorb the energy. Good bands and performances, but very few danced. There was a great kids activity center, and workshops amass, but unless you were focused on a shopping spree, it didn’t hold entertainment very long. Very little in the food and drink department too … they certainly should have had more food vendors and entertainment mixed around the marketplace. Its evolving I understand … so I look forward to its next evolution cycle. Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5.
Kids Activity Center
Delhi 2 Dublin @ Faerieworlds Winter “Good Faeries” Masquerade Ball - 29 Jan 2010
Delhi 2 Dublin * Performance 1/29/2010 * Faerieworlds WInter 2010 Celebration * Good Faeries Masquerade * McDonald Theater * Eugene, Oregon *
Growing very rapidly to be one of my favorite dubstep/fusion/beat bands, from my pseudo-home city of Vancouver, B.C. Delhi 2 Dublin is sure to entice its audiences into a frenzy … and the friday night of January 29th proved that description completely. The Faerieworlds Winter Celebration patrons were ecstatically dancing to the Bollywood/India/Irish/Celtic fusion band known as “Delhi 2 Dublin”. Their name says its all. Five incredibly talented musicians and artists blending and fusing the Bhangra, tabla, celtic fiddle, dhol, Punjabi vocals, electronic sitar, Celtic, Dub, electronica, and world music together that are fantastically dance-able tunes. They were formed for a one-time performance at Vancouver’s Celtic Fest in 2006 and instantly became famous - their music took a life of its own. They went on tour of Eastern Canada and California playing a number of festivals including Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Shambhala, Salmon Arm Roots and Blues, etc. Their debut album spread throughout North America, Japan, and Eastern Europe. They played Canada Day’s large celebration on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on July 1, 2007. The band consists of Tarun Nayer (Tabla, electronics); Kytami (Fiddle); Sanjay Seran (vocals); Andrew Kim (Electric Sitar, Guitar); and Ravi Binning (Dhol, Tabla). Rating: 5 stars out of 5.
Woodland @ the Faerieworlds Winter “Good Faeries Masquerade” Ball - 1/29/10
Woodland * Performance 1/29/2010 * Faerieworlds WInter 2010 Celebration * Good Faeries Masquerade * McDonald Theater * Eugene, Oregon *
One of my favorite Pagan/Faerie bands, Woodland is the mover/shakers behind the phenomena that is Faerieworlds. Highlighting the first night of the Good Faeries Masquerade Ball at the McDonald Theater that was part of Faerieworlds Winter Celebration 2010 brought to their audiences a stunning performance. Woodland played their ball from 9:00 - 10:30 pm. Woodland focuses around Earth based and Faerie themes in their music, with Celtic and bardic poetry as strong influences … they mix folk and electric instrumentation melded with improvisational festival rock music. The Chief songwriter, Emilio Miller-Lopez is harmony vocals, guitar; Kelly Miller-Lopez as lead vocals, harp, flute, percussion; Kimmy Smith on fiddle; Donald Brodsky plays bass and didjeridoo; while Markus Johnson is on percussion/electronics; and Ken Sokolov on drums/percussion. The band makes up a ecstatic group that has quite a local and international following. Often their music is accompanied by VJ imagery based on Brian Froud’s artwork. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.
