The Mendocino Troubadours were a much-loved local ensemble dedicated to bringing the music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance to life. Formed in the early 1970s by Sue Erlenkotter and Jerry Pitsenbarger, the group quickly became known for their festive holiday concerts and performances at the Mendocino Art Center, local churches, and community gatherings.
The Mendocino Troubadours with an array of early music instruments, 1978. Back row L – R: Bessy Moore, Beth Seaward, Jim Benton, Sue Erlenkotter. Front row: Juliette White, Barbara Faulkner, Danny Ross. Sunday Afternoon Concerts Collection.
Their repertoire ranged from 13th-century Spanish cantigas and English carols to Renaissance dances and motets. Concerts were lively occasions, often enhanced with period costumes, seasonal decorations, and even a wassail bowl at intermission.
A highlight of every performance was their remarkable collection of early instruments, many handmade by Sue Erlenkotter. Their instruments included the rebec, vielle, psaltery, krumhorn, viols, lutes, harps, recorders, bells, and drums. These are the same instruments audiences in medieval and Renaissance Europe would have heard centuries ago. The Troubadours’ concerts were celebrated not only for their historical authenticity but also for their warmth, humor, and sense of community.
Over the years, many Mendocino Coast musicians took part, among them Sue Erlenkotter, Jeannie Doe, Juliette Dillard, Susan Waterfall, Don Stark, Ellen and Jerry Pitsenbarger, Anne Heider, Beth Smith, Danny Ross, Anne Kapit, Beth Seaward, Bessy Krauss, Beverly Moore, Barbara Faulkner, Juliette White, and Jim Denton.
Celebrate Oktoberfest with a live homebrewing demo and beer tastings from Foggy Coast Brewers and North Coast Brewing Company. See how brewers turn grain into your favorite craft brew, pick up expert tips, and sip beer while taking in the stunning Mendocino Bay view from the Kelley House Museum lawn. Grab your ticket and raise a glass to the art of homebrewing! Saturday, September 13, 12 PM – 4 PM