In Episode #64 of "Hear ye, hear ye, A TX-Style Renaissance Podcast", I sit down with Bill Palmer, the Man behind Merlin the Magician. Merlin the Magician performed and worked at Texas Renaissance Festival for over 25 years. But that is not even half the story; Bill Palmer is a lifetime resident of Houston TX, and he graduated from Rice University, -and is a well-known magician in Houston and throughout the world.

Bill learned accordion from his father, a well-known musician and writer of musical books. So, as a teenager, he started Banjo and quickly astounded his teachers. He then wrote his own music book, "How To Play Folk and Bluegrass Banjo," that circulated worldwide. Did I mention, he also speaks German.

Well, we shall cover that and more in episode sixty-four of "Hear ye, hear ye A TX-Style Renaissance Podcast."

Huzzah! The King

We invite you to enjoy episode #63 of Hera ye, hear ye; A TX-Style Renaissance Podcast! IN this episode we visit the Once and Future General Manager, Jeff Baldwin. WE recorded this episode in the fall before the release of Ren Faire, the movie. When we spoke with Jeff he was once again the Entertainment director, after serving his second time as General Manager. He talks about the pain of losing the position and the need to return and the happiness of once again being a part of the Festival he cares so much about. Unbeknownst to him at the time of the recording, George Coulam, the volatile genius behind the Texas Renaissance Festival, would ask Jeff to return once again to be TRF's General Manager, a mere few months after this recording. In the episode he discusses returning to the festival and his hopes for the future. IT is a fascinating story of winning, losing, and redemption. Never daunted Jeff continued his mission for excellence. Always looking how best to serve the festival, his passion is unquestioned, it is easy to see why once again he would return to lead the TRF into the future.

The King visits With Lord Randolph. Randolph shares his life changing story of how Jane, a coin carver, chainmail, and George Coulam transformed an a broken veteran battling PTSD and alcoholism into the Lord of Chainmaille Fashions and a Renaissance legend.

The Texas Renaissance Festival King speaks with Rondini Alexander Porter. The Great Rondini has performed at TRF for nearly 15 years. An Escape Artist, magician and showman, Rondini pushes the limits, challenging himself and his audience to escape the mundane and embrace life's extremes with dignity and love.

In this episode the King continues learning about one the Texas Renaissance Festival's premier shops - Great Hall Designs.

In our last episode, number 58, we spoke with Jon Coiner who has spent over 50 years creating, teaching, sharing his vast variety of talents, knowledge and his enduring friendship.

In this episode we talk with his business partner, Alli Goff. Alli shares her story about growing up in Texas, becoming an artist, and getting involved with renaissance festivals. She talks about learning from a wide array of artists and finally finding her place working along side and with Jon Coiner.

Her talents, skills, and love of art has transformed a fearless Texas girl into the epitome of a Renaissance artist and woman. From sales and artistry to design to owning her own her own business, Alli has transcended the mundane to living her life on her terms - Huzzah!

Join The King as he speaks with Jon Coiner. Jon was one of the first artists George Coulam called upon to bring their wares to his newly created Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Soon George would open the Texas Renaissance Festival, and again he looked to Jon to display sell his amazing art. Jon has shown his wares at Renaissance festivals across the country. Jon has also spent time teaching, sharing his experiences and lifting up other artists across the globe ,who have gone on to be successful artists opened their own shops and businesses. Jon is always learning and expanding and at 82 he is no hurry to slow down- Huzzah!

Join The King as he speaks with Jon Coiner. Jon was one of the first artists George Coulam called upon to bring their wares to his newly created Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Soon George would open the Texas Renaissance Festival, and again he looked to Jon to display sell his amazing art. Jon has shown his wares at Renaissance festivals across the country. Jon has also spent time teaching, sharing his experiences and lifting up other artists across the globe ,who have gone on to be successful artists opened their own shops and businesses. Jon is always learning and expanding and at 82 he is no hurry to slow down- Huzzah!

Episode 57 focus is Rio Blue, this multi-talented performer gained his chops by traveling the United States learning from a variety of artists, performers, musicians, actors, craftsmen, and his beloved guru. His love of art, music, poetry, and life has been his bridge from a quiet town in the desert of Chile to traveling the United performers States and performing at renaissance festivals for over 50 years. He has been a carpenter, cook, puppeteer, stilt walker, musician, artist, booth owner, community activist and more. Folks recognize him by his friendly smile and joyful laugh. Rio is a father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He resides in Texas with his love and wife, the beautiful Mary.