SPECIAL GUESTS: International best sellers author Charles de Lint and illustrator Charles Vess return together to FaerieCon! “Charles & and Charles” were our first Guests of Honor in Baltimore and now return to celebrate with us. These gifted artists will be sharing their latest projects, including their acclaimed new book, “The Cats of Tanglewood Forest.” Charles de Lint and his wife MaryAnne will attend all three days and Charles Vess will be with us on Sunday only to join in the programming and signings.

TWO PREMIER MUSIC PERFORMANCES:

MARTINE KRAFT - For the first time in the US, internationally acclaimed Norwegian artist and composer, Martine Kraft and her band will take the stage at the Good Faeries Masquerade Ball. Martine combines her traditional nordic sounds with raw power, powerful performance and haunting, dreamlike soundscapes. As well as being a virtuoso on the Nordic hardingfiddle, she is a talented composer with a unique voice and who been showcased on stages throughout Europe with her own material for over a decade.

Watch the FaerieCon Trailer featuring Martine now!

NIYAZ - After delivering a show stopping performance at Faerieworlds Harvest last summer, FaerieCon East attendees are in for a real treat as Niyaz makes their premier appearance at the Bad Faeries Masquerade Ball! Mixing ancient tradition with modern sensibilities, Niyaz creates an ecstatic dance – trance experience that will change you, challenge you, and take you to new vistas of spirit-filled music. At the center of this band is the internationally acclaimed singer, Azam Ali, whose vocal instrument is often cited as comparable to Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance fame. Ali, who co-founded the influential world music band Vas in 1995, is a singer described as “a gentle powerhouse”, “silky,”and “consistently striking.” Together with programmer Carmen Rizzo, and multi-instrumentalist Loga Ramin Torkian, Niyaz creates a 21st century global trance / dance experience.

TWO FAERIECON FAVORITES RETURN TO THE MASQUERADE BALLS:

WOODLAND: Emilio & Kelly Miller-Lopez’s band, Woodland returns to FaerieCon for the first time since 2010 with an all-star lineup, a new album and live set, and potent new arrangements of their classic Woodland songs.

ADAM HURST PROJECT: The master of the “Ghost Cello” returns with an exciting new vision of his entrancing music, Now backed by a cast of musicians including a new tribal rhythm section, Adam Hurst’s music will soar to new romantic and haunting heights.

MORE PROGRAMMING WITH BEST SELLING ARTISTS & AUTHORS:

“Charles & Charles” are just the beginning! With the support of nationally respected “book talker” and bookseller, Emma Casale, we are taking our Author Programming track up to a whole new level, with more best-selling authors (many joining us for the first time!) and new program topics and events. Our Program Director, Jason Pitzl-Waters, is hard at work creating a number of complementary programming tracks and workshops to make your FaerieCon experience better than ever. Watch for the announcement of additional Guests in the coming months.

SAVE NOW WITH OUR LOWEST “EARLY BIRD” TICKET PRICES!

IMPORTANT: The Masquerade Balls at both FaerieCon East 2012 and FaerieCon West 2013 both SOLD OUT prior to opening the doors at both events. The FaerieCon Passport GUARANTEES your admission to the two most popular events at the show.

For a limited time, our Passports, 3 Day Exhibit Passes, and Friends & Family Discount Packages are ON SALE at the LOWEST PRICE WE WILL OFFER this Year!

Order your Tickets to our Hunt Valley 5th Anniversary FaerieCon now and SAVE!

- The Faerieworlds Team

FaerieCon East is proud to present the United State premiere performance from acclaimed Norwegian singer and fiddle-player Martine Kraft. We promise that you will be drawn into a world of magic and wonder with her melding of tradition and her own sonic experimentation.

“She manages to seize the ‘spirit of our time’ in norwegian folk music” – Trine Skei Grande

Martine Kraft is an acclaimed Norwegian artist and composer. She has been on stages around the world with her own material for over a decade, and delivers compositions to a huge number of ceremonial occasions.

Martine combines her traditional nordic sounds with raw power and haunting, dreamlike soundscapes. As well as being a virtuoso on the hardingfiddle, she is a talented composer with a unique voice.

Martine Kraft was born in the capitol Oslo, but spent most of her childhood in the beautiful mountain village Lom.  She now she lives in the city Gjøvik. Her unique vocal and outstanding fiddle playing has syenrgized into a complex soundscape where she has created her own musical universe. As a composer and multi-instrumentalist she has a strong artistic foundation that combined with her characteristic performance expresses a total package you rarely experience. Martine unites tradition and innovation, both wild and beautiful.

“Not since Griegs “Into the hall of the mountain king” has anything as mysterious and powerful been delivered from a norwegian artist” – The Newspaper of Trondheim

The debut album Hidden Shore (2009) sold to every continent of the world and confirmed her unique appeal worldwide, and since then she has worked to establish a bigger audience and a wider route for touring. She attracted attention as a guest artist with Billy Falcon and the Sowing Circle as they opened for Bon Jovi at the Ullevaal Stadium in front of 32,000 spectators. In 2011 she was the main composer and artist during the annual dragon festival in Krakow with a staggering audience of 60,000.
 She is also relevant in a number of Norwegian festivals this summer in addition to touring with several top Norwegian artists. Throughout July she is to be found in the show Troll Night in the large norwegian tourist attraction Hunderfossen family park.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyNilNnPk8c

“The music is very very beautiful and deserves to be heard by a huge audience” -Craig Leon

Martine is currently working on a new album due for release in 2013. Without giving too much away, the vocals and the trademark of the Hardanger fiddle is taken very well expressed. The first single “Crystals Are Falling” is already available.

The Persian music ensemble Niyaz makes what the the San Francisco Chronicle calls “mystical music with a modern edge.” This critically acclaimed trio topped the World Music charts with their first two albums, 2005′s self-titled debut, and 2008′s “Nine Heavens.” Their third full-length album, “Sumud,” released in 2012, topped iTunes’ World Chart on its release! Niyaz have just released a brand new acoustic EP featuring old and new songs.

At the center of this band are the vocal talents of Azam Ali, whose instrument is perhaps matched only by Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance fame. Ali, who co-founded the influential world music band Vas in 1995, is a singer described as “a gentle powerhouse”, “silky,”and “consistently striking.” Together with programmer  Carmen Rizzo, and multi-instrumentalist Loga Ramin Torkian, Niyaz creates a 21st century global trance tradition.

 ”The common thread is putting yourself in a higher state. Even with club music, I think that’s what people go to it for. The only problem was that it was void of “soul,” the spirit of acoustic trance music. We always felt there was a way to bring the two together that blurs the line between the acoustic and the electronic.” – Azam Ali of Niyaz

Niyaz, which means “yearning” in both Farsi and Urdu, is a perfect melding of India and Persia. Drawing from the musical traditions that spawned greats like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and invoking the poetry of Sufi mystics like Amir Khosrau Dehlavi and Rumi, the band works to “create something that transcends religion and culture and show(s) people that at the core we are all the same.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl4Xq-CSbFk

Don’t miss your opportunity to experience this truly transcendent musical moment at FaerieCon East!

Charles Vess was born in 1951 in Lynchburg, Virginia. He has been drawing ever since he could hold a crayon and crawl to the nearest wall.

Charles graduated with a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University, and worked in commercial animation for Candy Apple Productions in Richmond, VA before moving to New York City in 1976. It was there that he became a freelance illustrator, working for many publications, including Heavy Metal, Klutz Press, Epic Comics and National Lampoon.

His award-winning work has graced the covers and interior pages of many comic book publishers including Marvel (Spider-Man, Raven Banner) and DC (Books of Magic, Swamp Thing, Sandman). His work now is found more in book illustration, such as “The Ladies of Grace Adieu” (Bloomsbury), “Coyote Road – Trickster Tales” (Viking), and “Peter Pan” (Starscape).

Cats of Tanglewood Forest Illustration.

Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess’ “Stardust,” an illustrated novel with 175 paintings, was made into an acclaimed film by Paramount Pictures in 2007, directed by Matthew Vaughn. The impressive cast includes Michelle Pfieffer, Robert DeNiro, and Claire Danes.

Charles’ art has been featured in several gallery and museum exhibitions across the nation including two exhibitions in New York City: “Modern Fairy Tales” with Michael Kaluta at the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, and Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art” at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators. In Europe he has shown in Paris, Spain, Portugal, Italy and the UK.

Charles’ awards include the Ink Pot, three World Fantasies, the Mythopoeic, two Spectrum Annuals – a Gold and a Silver, two Chesleys, Locus (Best Artist), and two Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards.

Charles art is featured in a newly released book written by Charles de Lint, “The Cats of Tanglewood Forest,” (LittleBrown, 2013) boasting 71 paintings. Other recent publications are “Blueberry Girl,” a picture book for mothers and daughters based on a poem written by Neil Gaiman, and “Instructions,” also from a Gaiman poem. Both made the New York Times best-selling picture book list for many weeks. And “Drawing Down the Moon: The Art of Charles Vess” a lavish, 200-page retrospective of his art, was published by Dark Horse Books (2011).

Outside of publishing, Charles completed a 3-year project in 2009: the design and co-sculpting of a 16’ bronze fountain based on “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” for the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA.

Currently Charles is putting the final tweaks to “The Greenwood,” a contemporary middle grade novel told with a unique combination of text, illustration and sequential narrative art.

He has resided on a small farm in the southwest corner of Virginia since 1991 and works diligently from his studio, Green Man Press, in Abingdon.

FaerieCon East is proud to welcome mythic author Charles de Lint back to our event!

De Lint is best described as a romantic—a believer in compassion, hope and human potential. He is known as a master in the field of contemporary fantasy, helping to pioneer the genre with his groundbreaking novel Moonheart (1984). His vivid portrayal of character and settings has earned him a vast readership and glowing praise from reviewers and peers alike.

Charles de Lint writes like a magician. He draws out the strange inside our own world, weaving stories that feel more real than we are when we read them. He is, simply put, the best. 
—Holly Black (bestselling author)

Charles de Lint is the modern master of urban fantasy. Folktale, myth, fairy tale, dreams, urban legend-all of it adds up to pure magic in de Lint’s vivid, original world. No one does it better. 
—Alice Hoffman (bestselling author)

His numerous awards and honours include the World Fantasy Award, the Canadian SF/Fantasy Aurora Award, and the White Pine Award, among others. Modern Library’s Top 100 Books of the 20th Century poll, conducted by Random House and voted on by readers, put eight of de Lint’s books among the top 100.

With 36 novels and 35 books of short fiction to date, de Lint writes for adults, teens and children. His most recent adult novel, The Mystery of Grace (2009), is a fantastical ghost story and a heart-wrenching tale of love, passion and faith.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEpHLHwStb0

Newer work includes Under My Skin—book one of his new series, The Wildlings, from Penguin Canada (March 2012). The Cats of Tanglewood Forest, a novel for middle-grade readers, will be published by Little, Brown in January 2013.

De Lint has been the main book reviewer for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction since 1987. He has also written critical essays, music reviews, opinion columns and entries to encyclopedias. He has taught creative writing workshops for adults and children in Canada and the USA, and served as Writer in residence for two public libraries in Ottawa. He has also served as a judge for several prominent awards, including the Nebula Award, the World Fantasy Award, the Theodore Sturgeon Award and the Bram Stoker Award.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F-BhmDzOWU

The proverbial Renaissance man, de Lint is also a painter, poet and musician. His storytelling skills shine in his original songs, several of which were recorded and released in 2011 on his CD, Old Blue Truck. A multi-instrumentalist, de Lint performs with MaryAnn (also a musician). His main instruments are guitar, harmonica and vocals, while hers are mandolin, guitar, vocals and percussion.

An American contemporary of renowned European artists like Faun, who contributed to their most recent album,  “Seasons In Elfland: Shadows” and Omnia, Woodland evokes a mystery both playful and dark, taking a trip though the unseen realms buoyed by the secret-spilling harmony vocals of Kelly and Emilio Miller-Lopez. The band’s music features a variety of folk and electric instrumentation, combining ambient and acoustic for an experience of potent live improvisational energy.

Woodland’s new album, “Secrets Told” is a musical journey into mediterranean and classical themes, exploring the folk religion of the old world and the ancient mythos of southern Europe. With the romantic cello sounds of Adam Hurst, and the lyrically rich harmony vocals of Kelly and Emilio Miller-Lopez, the music is emotionally evocative and embedded with symbolism and poetic meaning. The band will highlight the new work in their live set, which will draw upon a the musical talents of an all-star lineup of Woodland musical collaborators.

Don’t miss this chance to see the band who were there from Faerieworlds’ and FaerieCon’s beginnings, see Woodland this Fall at FaerieCon East!

“Mythical, deep and dark, ambient with a slight jazzy twist. Emilio and Kelly Miller-Lopez have created their own mythical world, a place and a band called Woodland.” - Pagan Radio Network

For 13 years Woodland has been working in partnership with Robert Gould of Imaginosis, co-creating live concert events where mythic music and enchanting art find a crossroads. Together Imaginosis and Woodland founded Faerieworlds LLC, the company that created Faerieworlds and FaerieCon amongst other mythic events.  In addition to playing at Faerieworlds events across the US, band has also performed and headlined at events including Trolls et Legendes in Belgium, The Labyrinth Masquerade in Los Angeles, An Evening in Elfland in Glastonbury UK,  The Fairy Ball in Cornwall UK, Earthdance in San Francisco and The Witches Ball in London.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpRwJLYVV-c

For many, Woodland represents the mythic musical heart of Faerieworlds. The initiators who helped open the gates, and who return once again, inviting us to these Fey Midsummer revels. Don’t miss this extra-special performance!

More about the band at http://www.woodlandmusic.net

”I saw this in a review: ‘If you aren’t listening to him, you are making a mistake.’ Can we just leave it at that? I think that describes it perfectly.” – Actress Ellen Page, star of “Juno” and “Inception.”

Influenced primarily by Middle Eastern, Indian Raga and European traditions, the original music of Adam Hurst is at once haunting, ethereal, evocative and romantic. Using the cello as a solo melodic voice, Hurst creates passionate and emotive musical poetry that digs straight to the soul. Now, Adam will debut a new high-energy show featuring drummers and backing musicians as the “Adam Hurst Project,” bringing a whole new element to his live performances.

“Amazing music, sometimes nostalgic, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes dark and scary, as though you’ve touched some incredibly ancient things, feelings, motifs. The music envelops you, gets you into its strange world, deeper and deeper. It seems like the air gets denser and denser, the world comes to a standstill… until the music stops. And only than you breathe again. Absolutely meditative.” -Chlingui Wingui, Tunis, Tunisia

Adam Hurst has performed throughout the US and in Europe and has been commissioned to compose and perform original work for ballet, belly dance, and contemporary dance. His recordings have been used in independent films, documentaries and art films. Adam Hurst’s compelling live performances are not to be missed. He has released nine CDs of original music. His latest, “Obscura,” continues and expands on Adam’s rich sonic palate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX4-OMWCdCc

“The cinematic feel of Hurst’s moody music is no accident. “My biggest goal through music is to create evocative, introspective sounds which can accompany dream states,” he says. “I want the listener to have visual experiences.” It’s music best listened to with your eyes closed and heart open.” – Brett Campbell, Willamette Week

Commissions include: Broken Sparrow~ a ballet choreographed by James Canfield for the NWPDP, in which Hurst composed the entire score and performed live on stage at the premier. Midnight Waltz~ an original piece for cello and accordion composed for the Portland Vampire Ball. Anima~ an independent feature film by Craig Richardson.

Adam Hurst studied cello at Skidmore College while in highschool and Brown University while in college. He holds a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design (1997). He taught cello at Providence College as an adjunct from 1998-2002.

Be sure to not miss a musical experience that one reviewer calls “transporting, ecstatic, poignant and achingly beautiful all at once.”

Charles Vess and Charles de Lint with their partners Karen Schaffer and MaryAnn Harris.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of FaerieCon East at the Hunt Valley Inn in Maryland, and to celebrate,  international best-selling author Charles de Lint and acclaimed artist Charles Vess are returning to the show! These two remarkable talents have collaborated several times over the years, and have just released their new book, “The Cats of Tanglewood Forest.” Here’s a short synopsis:

“Lillian Kindred spends her days exploring the Tanglewood Forest, a magical, rolling wilderness that she imagines to be full of fairies. The trouble is, Lillian has never seen a wisp of magic in her hills–until the day the cats of the forest save her life by transforming her into a kitten. Now Lillian must set out on a perilous adventure that will lead her through untamed lands of fabled creatures–from Old Mother Possum to the fearsome Bear People–to find a way to make things right.”

We’ll be featuring “Charles & Charles”: in special programming event on Sunday where they will discuss their work, careers and collaborations.  We’re delighted that they both could join us this year to celebrate this landmark anniversary and their latest book.  Don’t miss out, get your tickets today!

For a limited time, our Passports, 3 Day Exhibit Passes, and Friends & Family Discount Packages are ON SALE at the LOWEST PRICE WE WILL OFFER this Year!  Order your Tickets to our 5th Anniversary FaerieCon now and SAVE!