The Realm is Gathering

by Emilio Miller-Lopez

We stand tonight at the gates of new experience, as thousands begin to gather in our emerald wood to celebrate in the spirit of the land. Here in this forest where the old trees stand, we invite in those who remember, and those who have forgotten; to reconnect with a hidden memory older than our minds. In the moment of summer's ripening, the wind dances beneath the shadow of the mountain, and the valley is alive. Calling. Calling. Calling in the celebration of the harvest of first fruits. Past the gateway a cool wind is coming...autumn stands beyond the wooden door. Now the horn is sounding through the mythic wood...will you come to the first harvest dance?

In the Shadow of Mt. Pisgah

We walked in twilight through a corridor of arching oaks hung with lichen and tall, majestic Douglas firs. All around us the forest and the skies are alive: the crows heading off to roost, the screeching owl emerging for her evening hunt, even the occasional fluttering bat. The moon rises as the stars are taking their places across the heavens. We turned the corner and looked out over the vast moonlit field: here is the new home of Faerieworlds.

In four weeks, this splendid park, surrounded by trees and forests, bordered by a river, shadowed by the tallest mountain in the region, will transform into the Realm and fill with music, amazing vendors, enchanting performers and thousands of faerie lovers from across our nation and the world, all arrayed in their beautiful faerie finery. Everything about the space feels right, good and welcoming: It is alive with life and magic is afoot. We close our eyes and hear the summoning songs of Faun and Woodland, we see wonderful arts and crafts, we see families laughing, dancing, gathered together in campsites, we see community joined together in joy and celebration. We open our eyes and the waxing gibbous goddess has risen; all is blue and silver. Do we hear Adam Hurst's plaintive cello floating on the night breeze? The verdant spirit of Place, of Faerie, is palpable here, everywhere, waiting and welcoming; you can feel it. Reluctantly we head back home and begin to count the days.

- Robert

It's Almost That Time Again

As much as Faerieworlds is a spiritual experience for everyone involved, I have to admit that most people I talk to also agree that it's a fantastic place to buy special things. There are items available at this show that I really can't find anywhere else, and I'm just about as discerning as it gets when it comes to high-quality handmade art, clothing, jewelry, even food. I spend a disturbing amount of time scouring the internet for the best of the best, and yet I still find vendors at Faerieworlds that happily surprise me. Some of my favorite items of personal adornment have come from Faerieworlds, and there's something sacred about bringing home a treasured item from such a special event. There's a memory attached to it, and every time I touch it, or wear it, or glance at it I remember that I found it at Faerieworlds...and I bought it from someone who loves what they do.
- Stephanie

Eight Years in a Minute

by Emilio Miller-Lopez

After eight years of producing Faerieworlds events, we finally had a brief chance this week to sit down and review some of the live event videos we've captured over the years. At the Faerieworlds office here in Eugene, we have an archive of hundreds of DV tapes filled with live footage from Sedona, Santa Fe, Los Angeles, Hornings Hideout, Secret House and more. What we found out very quickly when we began cutting this trailer was that the hardest part wasn't going to be finding enough good footage to include in a one minute web video; the real difficulty was actually how to choose only a minutes worth of video from so many beautiful hours of captivating and moving moments. Many thanks to all the musicians, artists, performers and participants whose inspiring contributions have made Faerieworlds the unique and special gathering it has become. We hope you enjoy this glimpse of the magic!

Revelation

There some artists whose work literally stops you dead in your tracks. You catch your breath, transfixed, afraid that if you breathe it might fade and dissolve. Encountering art at this level triggers an immediate, intimate familiarity, yet it is unlike anything you know, only what you have hoped would be. The experience is transporting, ecstatic, poignant and achingly beautiful all at once, in a moment of meeting that you will never forget. This was my experience in first hearing the music of Adam Hurst, and even more so in seeing this video of him playing the gypsy cello. Please stop reading here and watch the video…



.... you see? You can breathe now…. Adam will be joining us for the first time at Faerieworlds: he embodies the kind of gifted artist we look for to showcase at our events. I know seeing him play live will be one of the highlights of the show that you will not want to miss. Now play the video again and watch his hands… and remember to breathe….
- Robert

Welcome to the Faerieworlds Blog

At long last, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to the official Faerieworlds blog. For many months, we have looked forward to opening a more direct and personal conversation with our guests and fans about exciting happenings within The Realm, which includes Faerieworlds: Summer & Winter Celebrations, and FaerieCon. 

Here we will share breaking news, our thoughts about shows and the inspiration, intention and concepts behind them, as well as inside looks at our wonderful vendors, performers and musicians.  Our relationship with you is very important to us as we continually improve, expand and enhance all aspects of our events. We invite you to respond, contribute and join the conversation: Welcome to the Realm!

Robert, Emilio & Kelly

Louisa John-Krol: An Introduction

by Kelly Miller-Lopez

As the producers of Faerieworlds, we are on a constant search for the artists and musicians whose work truly serves to open the doors of the wondrous otherworld that exists within and all around us. We have been dreaming for years of bringing the very real and tangible magic of Louisa John-Krol to our mainstage. The time has finally come, and we greatly anticipate the opportunity to present to you one of the most authentic and enchanting storyteller musicians of our time.

Louisa comes to us this summer all the way from her home in Australia. Over the past decade she has produced six albums of her internationally-acclaimed original songs, as well as several notable collaborations and compilations. Currently belonging to the popular french record label Prikosnovenie, Louisa's unique style has been described as "romantic pop-ethereal faerie music" ,among many other attempts to define the indescribable. Her works are a bit like faerie in that way, you can never quite put your finger on it, it seems to emanate directly from some familiar and far-off "in-between".  As a songwriter she is influenced deeply by literature and folklore, and her discography reveals a fascinating breadth of mythological and magical realms explored through a truly unique musical style. Her evocative lyrics are drawn from an obviously real understanding and connection to the singular language of what Robert Graves once referred to as "pure poetry". Louisa is a true bard. (to be continued in my next post)