Harpists at reenacting events?

[PvtStovall]

Does anyone here know if there are people who play the harp at reenactment events around the country? I've used the search function here and have come up empty. My wife plays the harp and we're curious if there is any interest in this area of civilian reenacting.

[Silas]

Re: Harpists at reenacting events?

First, keep in mind that the focus of this forum is campaigning and authenticity. Harps don't fit well in knapsacks. A harp would fit in a wagon, but rations, water and hay have a greater priority than harps. The harp isn't much of a field friendly instrument. I can imagine that there may be an occasional living history at some historic residence where a harp would fit in rather nicely.

I have seen a few harps at events, but these were big tent, mega events and used by performers who sold CD's after performances.

You might consider checking on Szabo's forum which has a more mainstream oriented following. You'll get more leads over there than here. After posting the above, I looked at Szabo-land and saw you have posted the same question there.

[PvtStovall]

Re: Harpists at reenacting events?

Thanks Silas, and yes I did post the question over there as well. I'm new at this and I don't have a ton to offer the forum at this point, but I am trying to post things that I'm interested in and that haven't been discussed ad nauseam here. It looks like there isn't much demand for harps at events, although it has been done before. It is something we might consider in the future, but for now I guess we'll stick with trying to find a few harp students and some "modern day" gigs to play at. :)

[georgewunderlich]

Re: Harpists at reenacting events?

I am not trying in any way to cast this in a negative light, but why would there be harp players at in event? I can certainly see harpists at events in a home or city setting, but I really have to question the practice at an event meant to portray life in the field. Just curious.