Wanna party like it's 1399 ?

    So, did you ever want to party like it's 1399 ?   Then a Blackmore's Night show is just what you need !

Who is Blackmore's Night ?  The core of the band is master guitarist Ritchie Blackmore  (of  Deep Purple and Rainbow fame) and his wife and vocalist/lyricist  Candice Night.  Add to this a bassist, a pianist, a violinist and a drummer and

there you have an accomplished and versatile band, for any era,

     What will the show look like ? These musicians  dress in Medieval garb, perform  on a stage decorated with vines and rocks, and have been known to hand out mugs of beer to fans during the show.  You will see various  types of instruments played, things like mandolins and dombras,

 shawms and rauschpfeifes.   Ye olde hurdy gurdy can even make an appearance, though its temperamental nature makes it a short term guest.

     What kind of music will you hear ?  Quite a variety, actually.  Ballads and drinking songs will be interspersed with rock-like modern sounds.  This band does not do ancient music in the authentic way, it takes the sounds and feel of  Medieval  and folk songs and  weaves it into something that sounds more modern.   They do original songs, adaptations of medieval/folk songs and even covers of more

modern songs.  Candice does some standout versions of songs like Joan Baez's  "Diamonds and Rust" and Deep Purple's  "Soldier of Fortune."  Blackmore's Night music is more about a sound and feel and is not limited by categories.

     What will the crowd be like ?   This is where it gets really interesting. The front rows are reserved for people dressed in Medieval garb, or at least making some attempt at it.  Some will have truly beautiful clothes, fancy lace-up bodices for the ladies and jaunty jackets and breeches for the men.  You will see people that look more like gypsies or peasants,  your typical Ren Faire look.   The people in garb are like a family,  they hold hands and sing along, dancing often breaks out during the more lively tunes.  Many of these people are friends because of their love for the band and the camaraderie is obvious.  People bring their children to the shows, they are very family friendly. Once you get past the first several rows the crowd is more typical, dressed in jeans and casual clothes.  You will also see the guys in Deep Purple and Rainbow tee-shirts,  yelling out for "Smoke on the Water"  and looking puzzled about the whole thing.

      Who is in charge of the show ?  Ritchie Blackmore is, without a doubt. Candice may do most of the talking, but not a note gets played or sung unless it is with his total approval.  Watch the band eye his every move and wave of his hand...

      What  DON'T you want to do at the show ?   You definitely don't want to be shouting out loudly and continuously for old Deep Purple songs.  Even though Ritchie does on the rare occasion play "Smoke on the Water"  he only does it when HE feels like it.  He has a notorious temper and if he is not in the mood, you can bring the show to a halt by doing this, not making you a favorite with the crowd.

      What DO you want to do at the show ?  Relax,  enjoy the variety of instruments and sounds.   Sing-a-long, dance, make new friends.

Leave the worries and troubles of modern life aside, even if only for an hour or two and lose yourself to a simpler time....

When do you know that the show is over ?   When the lights come up and you hear  "The Bloody Red Baron of Germany" over the speakers !