Paul Butler is a multi-instrumentalist who researches, plays, and occasionally builds medieval and renaissance instruments. Originally trained in classical violin and choral music, he discovered folk and early music in college and it rather stuck. He has since enlarged his collection of period and folk instruments and has managed to teach himself to play the majority of them. His voice ranges from a powerful baritone to a light, lyric tenor.

His research into early music has attracted him to some of the more unusual medieval and renaissance instruments. He has tried to approach the music to create a sound closer to the buzzy, somewhat clashing sounds and structures that were so popular in the medieval and renaissance periods. To this end, he acquired several rarely experienced historical instruments to recreate this sound. Chief among these are vielles and the bray harp. Vielles are one of the precursors to the violin. Strung in natural gut producing a sharper, more nasal tone than the modern violin, the vielle is often played with continual drones like a bagpipe, and is fretted with tied frets like a lute. Paul's vielles include a tenor 5-string by Bernard Ellis and a treble 4-string by Marco Salerno. The other precursor to the violin is the small, three-stringed, pear-shaped rebec, about which Paul is a recognized authority. Paul presently plays two rebecs, a soprano and an alto, both fashioned by him. The bray harp is another almost forgotten instrument of the renaissance. A small harp strung in gut with "L" shaped pins that brush against the base of the strings at the soundboard, it generates a sharp "buzz" when plucked. The result is a small harp that is quite piercing and has an interesting snarling buzz (thus "bray" like a donkey) that one person described as a cross between a harp and a marimba. Wide-bore renaissance recorders and wind-capped double-reed cornamusen (kind of like bagpipes without the bag) played solo or in consort offer a contrast to the strings. Occasionally more exotic instruments are employed, such as the krumhorn, rauschpfiefe, or shawm. Renaissance and modern percussion rounds out the sound.

In additional to historical early music, Paul also performs folk music, mostly centered around the Celtic and British traditions. Voice, modern folk harp, violin, viola, mandolin and Irish bouzouki mix to provide soulful airs, rollicking ballads and energetic dances. He has also experimented with near eastern dance and folk music, driven by djembe, saz and fiddle.

Paul Butler has performed at a wide variety of venues for over fifteen years. He has appeared at the Maryland, New Jersey, Lakewood, Village and West Windsor Renaissance Faires; played at museums, including the Cloisters in NYC and the Philadelphia Art Museum; made numerous period re-enactment events. He also has done presentations on historical music to schools and civic associations (Daughters of Revolution, Rotary International). Paul also performs with several groups, including the folk ensemble Rabbit Stampede and the early music ensemble The Branslers.

His first solo CD, Of Dyverse Mynstralsye, features performance on the folk and bray harps, but includes recorders, vielles, percussion and vocals with a selection of songs and dances of the early music period from the 12th to 17th centuries.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR 2008

December 27, 2007
GLENSIDE CONTRA DANCE
In Glenside, PA (just NW of Philadelphia), guesting with the dance band Herd of Cats, getting a rare opportunity to play mandolins!

January 12, 2008
AN ENGLISH COUNTRY TWELFTH NIGHT
SCA Event near York, PA, playing with the Branslers (though actually as Rabbit Stampede), doing lots of dance music and some performance during dinner at this event that has been shaping up to be a lot of fun!

January 15, 2008
HADDONFIELD ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCE
Playing with Rabbit Stampede for the Haddonfield, NJ English Country Dance group. They are relatively small, but very enthusiastic! They meet every Tuesday at the Haddonfield Friends Meeting House on Friends Rd in Haddonfield, NJ from 8-10pm.

January 23, 2008
EARLY MUSIC DEMO
At the Cinnaminson Middle School. I've done this demo for the High School, and the Middle School teacher wanted me to bring it to her students. Always happy to oblige...

January 27, 2008
THE ROAD TO SANTIAGO
Providing instrumental accompaniment on early strings for the vocal group Christ Church Women's Schola for a program of medieval Spanish pilgrim music. At Christ Church, 5 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ starting at 6:30pm. Free!

February 2, 2008
SIGN OF THE DANCING FOX
The Branslers annual pilgrimage to Kingston, NY for their favorite SCA Dance Event. An all day event, where we play music, dance, feast, eat chocolate, and play more music until we fall over and have to drive home.

February 3, 2008
GLENCAIRN MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL
At the extremely gorgeous Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn, PA, running from 1pm-5pm. I'll be doing the early musical instrument demonstration for the Festival. Glencairn is an amazing place, and worth checking out under any circumstances.

February 9, 2008
WICKED RENAISSANCE FAIRE
In Edison, NJ. Rabbit Stampede will be performing several sets throughout the day, including the first Faire appearance of the oud most likely.

February 23, 2008
NOISEMAKERS SCHOLA
SCA Event in Philadelphia, PA. Will be attending and performing at this SCA Event devoted to early music and heraldry!

PERFORMANCES FROM PAST YEARS

May 6,7,8 2005
NJ FOLK PROJECT SPRING FESTIVAL
Held in the mountains of NW NJ, where you actually can see all the stars. Burlap Lute will be performing Friday night on the main stage, and I'll be teaching a class on Early Music Instrument Construction. Also lots of general jamming to be had every night.

May 21,22, 2005
WEST WINDSOR RENAISSANCE FAIRE
Located at the Mercer County Central Park, open 10am-6pm. Fund-raising event for the Lion's Club. I'll be in my musical instrument demonstration tent, lecturing and playing music all day both days.

May 29, 2005
ALLE'S FAIRE IN LOVE AND WAR - SCA Event
Held in Hartshorndale, East Kingdom. Will be playing with the Branslers for dance in the afternoon and the evening Ball.

June 4,5; 11,12; 18,19; 25, 2005
17th ANNUAL NEW JERSEY RENAISSANCE KINGDOM - THE KINGDOM OF SOMERSET
The entire month of June! Located at the South Mountain Reservation in South Orange, New Jersey. The Faire runs Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 6pm. I will be playing variously throughout the Faire, mostly under the trees by the Food Court area, and by the main gate during the opening and closing of the Faire. Playing vielles, harp and woodwinds.

June 29, 2005
DEPTFORD JOHNSON LIBRARY DEMO
As part of the summer kid's reading theme of Castles and Monsters, we are doing a number of library demos. I'll be demonstrating and playing early musical instruments. Runs roughly 6:30-8:00pm, and aimed mostly at young children.

July 23, 2005
EAST KINGDOM WAR CAMP - SCA Event
Held in the Shire of Eisental, East Kingdom. Playing with the Branslers for evening dance, and playing for court.

July 27, 2005
MULLICA HILL LIBRARY DEMO
Continuing with the summer library demos, this one runs 6:30pm-7:30pm, doing a short presentation on early music.

August 25, 2005
COLLINGSWOOD LIBRARY DEMO
The third in the series of four, this one runs 6pm-8pm. Doing another demo on early music, mostly for kids.

September 10/11, 2005
SCOTTISH IRISH FESTIVAL AND HIGHLAND GAMES
Held in Green Lane, PA, running 10am-5pm both days. I'll be in my musical instrument demonstration tent, lecturing and playing music all day both days in the period encampment.

September 13, 2005
DRAKE TAVERN ANNIVERSARY
Drave Tavern in Jenkintown, PA is having its Anniversary and Burlap Lute is playing for Irish flavor. We'll be playing 7pm-9pm or so, practically an all-Irish set.

September 17, 2005
LAKEWOOD RENAISSANCE FAIRE
Held in Lakewood, NJ. A Renaissance Faire as a fundraiser for this Lions group. I'll be in my musical instrument demonstration tent for most of the day in the performance grove, with one set on the main stage in the afternoon.

September 18, 2005
VILLAGE RENAISSANCE FAIRE
In Wrightstown, PA. A growing Renaissance festival, open 11am-6pm. Playing several sets with Burlap Lute at different stages during the day.

October 8, 2005
KINGDOM CRUSADES - SCA Event
Held in Darlington, MD - the war between the East and Atlantian Kingdoms. Performing with the Branslers for afternoon and evening dance, and potentially playing for court.

October 29, 2005
LOVE AND WAR IN IRON BOG - SCA Event
Held in Moorestown, NJ. This is my home group's annual Harvest Feast, this year also a hand-fasting and the Shire Fencing Championship. I'll be playing with the Branslers for music during the Feast, and for afternoon and evening Dancing. We'll also probably be playing for the ceremony.

November 5, 2005
NOISEMAKERS - A MUSIC AND HERALDRY SCHOLA - SCA Event
Held in Philadelphia, PA. All day classes on early music (I'll be teaching classes on Early Luthierie/Instrument Making, Using Modern Instruments in Period Music, and the Historical Use of Open Tuning), then a concert in the evening (open to the public) where I'll be doing a solo set, and a longer set with Burlap Lute.

November 13, 2005
NAASS CONFERENCE
Held in Philadelphia, PA. The North American Association of Summer Sessions Conference is being hosted by Rutgers-Camden, specifically by my office. Burlap Lute is the entertainment for the President's Reception, where we'll be playing for the dinner and teaching 17th century dance!

December 3, 2005
BHAKAIL YULE REVEL - SCA Event
Held in Philadelphia, PA. The annual Yule event in the Barony from which the Branslers get their name. We'll be playing during afternoon dancing and for the evening ball.

December 10, 2005
MISTLETOE REVEL - SCA Event
Pomona, NJ. The very nice annual event in Barren Sands. Branslers will be playing for afternoon and evening dance, and generally throughout the day and feast as I get antsy.

January 14, 2006
EAST KINGDOM TWELFTH NIGHT- SCA Event
Held in Livingston, NJ. The Branslers will be playing for evening dance, and possibly for court.

January 21, 2006
BELLRINGERS - SCA Event
Held in Forked River, NJ. The Branslers will be playing for afternoon and evening dance.

February 4, 2006
AT THE SIGN OF THE DANCING FOX - SCA Event
Held in Kingston, NY. Probably the Branslers' favorite event. Playing music all day and night (with a break for a fabulous feast) for as long as we can keep going.

February 25, 2006
KING AND QUEEN'S BARDIC CHAMPIONS - SCA Event
Held in Kingston, NY. The annual competition for the royal bards. I've been the King's and the Queen's Bard at different points in time. Always a fun event, and one of the few places to get to hear really good bardic performances in the SCA. I'll probably be competing, and then the Branslers are playing for evening dance, should it happen.

March 11, 2006
CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKE BALL - SCA Event
Held in Cohoes, NY (near Albany). Very similar to Dancing Fox, and run by the same people, the Branslers will be playing all day and night, with a short dinner break.

March 18, 2006
IRON BOG BARONIAL INVESTITURE - SCA Event
Held in Moorestown, NJ (site might change). Iron Bog has become a BARONY! Woohoo! The Branslers will play for entertainment and dance, and I might be doing some solo stuff as well.

April 22, 2006
CONCERT FOR A CURE
Burlap Lute will be joining a number of regional groups in this benefit concert for ALS (also know as Lou Gerig's Disease). In the Upper Merion Township Building, 175 West Valley Forge Road in King of Prussia PA, running 6:00pm - 10:00 pm.

April 30, 2006
MEDIEVAL FAIRE AT GLENCAIRN MUSEUM
A really gorgeous building, with reconstructed medieval church and cloisters, the Glencairn Museum is located at 1001 Cathedral Rd. in Bryn Athyn, PA. This will be a day long medieval faire, highlighting the medieval artefact and stained-glass collections at the museum. I'll be doing the standard musical instrument demo and doing random performances throughout the day. To add to the fun, schlep over to Center City Philadelphia afterwards to see Piffaro, the Philadelphia Renaissance Wind Band, play at St. Mark's Church (16th and Locust Sts.) that evening.

May 20,21, 2006
WEST WINDSOR RENAISSANCE FAIRE
Located at the Mercer County Central Park, open 10am-6pm. Fund-raising event for the Lion's Club. I'll be in my musical instrument demonstration tent, lecturing and playing music all day both days.

May 23, 2006
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN NJ CONFERENCE
Held at Tavistock Country Club in Tavistock, NJ. Will be providing harp music for their reception.

May 28, 2006
ALLE'S FAIRE IN LOVE AND WAR - SCA Event
Held in Hartshorndale, East Kingdom. Will be playing with the Branslers for dance in the afternoon and the evening Ball on Sunday.

June 10, 2006
BLOCK PARTY IN GERMANTOWN, PA
Burlap Lute will be playing for the neighborhood block party at 6pm or so, doing one 1/2 hour set.

June 24, 2006
WEDDING
Not mine, I'm already happily wed. Burlap Lute will be playing for a wedding ceremony and reception on this Saturday.

July 22, 2006
EAST KINGDOM WAR CAMP - SCA Event
Held in the Shire of Eisental, East Kingdom. Playing for court.

August 15-20, 2006
PENNSIC WAR - SCA Event
SCA Big Event, in Slippery Rock PA (outside Pittsburgh). Playing variously throughout the days.

September 9/10, 2006
SCOTTISH IRISH FESTIVAL AND HIGHLAND GAMES
Held in Green Lane, PA, running 10am-5pm both days. I'll be in my musical instrument demonstration tent, lecturing and playing music all day both days in the period encampment.

September 16, 2006
LAKEWOOD RENAISSANCE FAIRE
Held in Lakewood, NJ. A Renaissance Faire as a fundraiser for this Lions group. I'll be in my musical instrument demonstration tent for most of the day in the performance grove, with one set on the main stage in the afternoon.

September 17, 2006
ITALIAN FESTIVAL AT WHEATON VILLAGE
In Millville, NJ. The weekend long Italian Festival ends with a mini-Renaissance Faire, where I'll be performing music with the Branslers.

September 22, 2006
MINSTREL COFFEEHOUSE CONCERT
Be playing with Burlap Lute opening for Alicia Bjornsdotter and Emma Reid. Held at the Minstrel Coffeehouse in Morristown, NJ (that's the one in the north, not the Moorestown near where I live).

September 23, 2006
BALL & BARTER IN THE BOG - SCA Event
Be playing with the Branslers for this dance event, held in Sicklerville, NJ.

September 30, 2006
PHILADELPHIA RARE BOOK AND MANUSCRIPT CO.
Be playing with Burlap Lute for the grand re-opening party of Wendy's workplace (though hopefully they will have been open at that location for a couple of months by then).

October 5, 2006
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY-CAMDEN
Doing some demos of early music and instruments for some Intro to Music classes on campus. You'd think that being so close would make it easier...

October 7, 2006
KINGDOM CRUSADES - SCA Event
Held in Darlington, MD - the war between the East and Atlantian Kingdoms. Performing with the Branslers for afternoon and evening dance, and potentially playing for court.

October 15, 2006
RED HAT SOCIETY RENAISSANCE DEMO
In Wilmington, DE at Bellevue State Park. Will be doing the tent instrument and music running performance/lecture for the afternoon.

October 31, 2006
BOG HALLOWEEN BALL - SCA Event
In Moorestown, NJ - our normal fifth Tuesday Ball in Iron Bog happens to fall on Halloween - how can we refuse a masked ball?

November 11, 2006
HARVEST FEAST IN IRON BOG - SCA Event
In Swedesboro, NJ - will be doing some music for dance assuming it occurs. Will also most likely be competing in the fencing tournament.

November 15, 2006
EVENING OF INSPIRATION with MHASWNJ
In Haddonfield, NJ for the Mental Health Association of SW New Jersey (yes, it's a mouthful). This is part of a decorated house fund-raiser series - will be doing the harping thing for the evening.

December 2, 2006
BHAKAIL YULE REVEL - SCA Event
In Philadelphia, PA - general jamming and music for the evening dance with the Branslers at this annual event

December 3, 2006
GLAD TIDINGS, A CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS AT GLENCAIRN
In Bryn Athyn, PA - A large holiday event in the afternoon at the Glencairn Museum - a place definitely worth checking out if you are interested in medieval or even classical studies. Will be doing random medieval holiday music on variety of early instruments.

December 9, 2006
MISTLETOE REVEL - SCA Event
In Pamona, NJ (assuming same site as previously) - another of our regular Branslers events, for afternoon jamming and dance practice and evening ball.

January 20, 2007
AN ENGLISH COUNTRY 12th NIGHT - SCA Event
In Camp Hill, PA - general jamming at this sort of Tavern themed event. Music for the evening dance with the Branslers.

February 3, 2007
AT THE SIGN OF THE DANCING FOX - SCA Event
In Kingston, NY - the big party event for the Branslers! Play music, dance, feast, eat chocolate, and play more music until we fall over.