Noshing With Al Olson – May 25, 2023

Ira's Everything Bagel

Author, A History of the American Renaissance Festival. Where Have all the Hippies gone?

Welcome to another exciting episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel, hosted by the ever-engaging Ira Sternberg. This podcast is your weekly dive into a myriad of topics, wrapped in stories as diverse and enriching as the ingredients of a well-stacked everything bagel. This week, we’re delving deep into the vivid and often whimsical world of American Renaissance festivals with none other than Al Olson, author of “A History of the American Renaissance Festival: Where Have All the Hippies Gone?” Olson shares his decades of experience and insights into this fascinating cultural phenomenon, offering listeners a backstage pass to the evolution, magic, and ongoing relevance of these historical celebrations.

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Al Olson’s Musical Beginnings and Entry into Renaissance Festivals

Our featured guest, Al Olson, has a background as colorful as the renaissance festivals he frequents. While attending the University of Minnesota, where he balanced his studies with working nights at a parking ramp and pumping iron at the local gym, Al also nurtured his musical talent. He performed his original songs in the same historic coffee houses on the west bank of the Mississippi River that once echoed with the tunes of Bob Dylan. It was his unique musical flair that caught the attention of the artistic director of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival during one of Al’s theatrical presentations at Theatre in the Round. Impressed by his performance, the director offered him a role on the spot, marking the beginning of Al’s long and storied career in Renaissance festivals.

From Pumpkin to Smee and Blogg: A Theatrical Evolution

Initially, Al performed with a group called “Pumpkin,” contributing original Renaissance-inspired music. However, the competitive nature of festival performances, highlighted by acts like Penn and Teller at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, spurred Al to innovate further. This led to the formation of “Smee and Blogg,” a comedic vaudeville act that Al developed out of a mix of frustration with the status quo and a desire to offer something fresh and entertaining. The duo, known for their engaging and humorous performances, became a staple at Renaissance festivals across the U.S. and Canada, performing for 36 years at 56 different festivals.

The Growing Popularity and Corporate Influence on Renaissance Festivals

During our podcast, Al discusses the transformation of Renaissance festivals from small, community-driven events into significant cultural phenomena that attract thousands each year. He notes the inclusive nature of these festivals as a key reason for their popularity; they offer a space where people from all walks of life can immerse themselves in a different era, experiencing the arts, crafts, and entertainment of times past. However, Al also points out the shift towards more corporate structures in recent years, which has brought both benefits and challenges. While corporate backing has increased the scale and visibility of these events, it has also introduced a level of commercialization that challenges the authenticity that many festival-goers cherish.

Al Olson: The Singing Executioner

One of the most unique roles Al has embraced in his post-Smee and Blogg career is that of the Singing Executioner. This act combines dark humor with musical entertainment, showcasing Al’s versatility as a performer. The Singing Executioner is a favorite among attendees at the Texas and Oklahoma Renaissance and medieval faires, where Al continues to perform. This character exemplifies the eclectic mix of entertainment that makes Renaissance festivals such beloved events. To see Al in action as the Singing Executioner, be sure to visit Singing Executioners.

Why Write a Book About Renaissance Festivals?

In our interview, Al explains his motivation for writing “A History of the American Renaissance Festival.” Beyond simply chronicling the events, his book aims to capture the spirit and passion of the people who have shaped these festivals over the decades. It serves as both a historical account and a personal memoir filled with rich narratives and insider perspectives. By documenting these stories, Al hopes to preserve the legacy of the festivals for future enthusiasts and ensure that the contributions of its many colorful characters are not forgotten.

Conclusion: Reflecting on a Rich Cultural Tapestry

As our time with Al Olson concludes, listeners are left with a deeper appreciation for the vibrant community that Renaissance festivals foster. From his early days as a musician influenced by folk legends to his continued involvement as a beloved festival character, Al’s journey is a testament to the enduring appeal and transformative power of these historical recreations.

Be sure to join us next week on Ira’s Everything Bagel, where we will continue to explore unique stories and personalities from all corners of the cultural spectrum. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated with each new episode filled with intriguing tales and insightful interviews that promise to enrich, entertain, and inspire.

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