Bards - Introduction for Amra

[Mike C. Baker]

I am not really come late to the colloquy, just late in bringing
my (divided) attention here.  Alas, that does mean that my
words of introduction follow those of others by some few days
as well.

In the matter of SCA bardcraft, I first performed before a circle on a
night where the winds of northern Ansteorra roared through the trees
above the encampments at that War now told of in song and story as
"Queen Willow's War", my first formal SCA event (this also known as the
First Ansteorran-Middle War).

Valadonis the Wanderer, known also as Valadonis Star-eagle, and I had
traveled
to that time and place upon the strength of commendations given us by one
William
Blackfox, and had some few other companions in our midst who would become
founders of  the Shire of Moonschadowe: Rhudraig MacRhuadraig MacLeod
and his lady; Haldane Sparhauk; and my (probably tainted) memory also places
Thomas Dragonflyer in the grouping.  Sebastian Alaguard was in the company
of
others from Nord aus das Strom, although he would be first to hold office as
Seneschal
in the Land of the Crying Winds.

My specialities are research, story-telling, poetry, and singing, much in
that order.

I will be appearing at the upcoming Westgate Collegium as a teacher,
presenting classes
upon the historical Bard ("What *IS* A Bard?", primarily drawing upon Celtic
tradition,
but with substantial notices from other forms), Reading Poetry for Non-Poets
(a.k.a.
You Too Can Perform In Circle), and Practical Filk (a.k.a. Your Words Can
Make A Difference).

In the broader context, I am also a Bard of the lineage of Gwydion Pedaran
by the hand
of the White Bard and his lady (T.P.B.), and by that right am named the
Dreamsinger Bard.
I hold ordination for that purpose as well, according to the modern
reckoning, in the case
that there ever be need for such ("Marryins', Buryins', and all such in
between").

I take strongly to heart the ancient admonitions that a true bard is a
neutral party, one charged
with "walking between", and strive ever to be worthy of consideration as a
proper go-between
be there need for THAT.  While much the neutral, I am still noted for
holding strong opinions
when they are called for, but even then am fully capable of setting aside my
own beliefs and
prejudices in rendering true judgement in the old traditional manner.

In the SCA, I have also some experience as a heraldic officer, camp herald,
and hospitaller.
I hold myself as the Kitchen Idiot of the Cathedral of the Cheesey
Salamander, as administered
by Papa Gunthar, and have also been known to turn my hand to simple
calligraphy, illuminated
manuscripts, and some few other arts and mechanic sciences.

I also sell knives, swords, and tools -- "Implements of Destruction and
Construction" -- as well
as maintenance services for the same (knife sharpening, etc.)

I delight, bardically, in tales of the caravans and those folk who ply the
merchant routes
otherwise.  Perhaps my best personally-told pieces involve such folk and
commerce, although
the Tale of Kanana and the Lance is perhaps closest to that of my adopted
persona.

Let others keep your attention now; I must sleep awhile and try to throw
aside an attack of
the sweating sickness that is sweeping across these lands...

Mike C. Baker
known in the SCA as: (al-Sayyid) Amr ibn Majid al-Bakri al-Amra
"Other" Bardcraft: Reverend Kihe Blackeagle, PULC (the DreamSinger Bard)
Opinions? I'm FULL of 'em

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