Well, that at least explains that angle...

The Black Point/Nut Tree/Casa De Fruita faire is the RPFN, sister faire of RPFS, both started by the Patterson family who originated the 'Renaissance Faire' as it is seen in America today. There's a weird tug of war that's gradually being lost over the years to try to keep the emphasis of the faire more firmly anchored in history.

The guitar issue is just one that's stuck around for years. Originally it was a major element of an overall policy that included all workers (performers AND vendors) going through a lengthy rehearsal and workshop program, universal costume approval, insistence upon as few anachronisms as a vendor as possible, required use of 'Basic Faire Accent' and a host of other elements that really aren't as prevalent at any faire today.

Most groups performing at the CA big faires still try to make some sort of a nod towards period appearances. My former group had one guy with a "luitar". Basically just an acoustic bowlback guitar with as little 'modern' hardware as possible. That's usually what they look for.

I believe they're still sticklers on the acoustic guitar issue though.

M