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SALISBURY, MD---Lord Merrick of Salisbury invites the community to join him as ºÚÁÏÍø’s award-winning Renaissance Madrigal Dinner returns Friday-Saturday, December 2-3, in the Bistro of the Commons.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 7:30 p.m.

Jesters, musicians, dancers and more entertain guests during the six-course dinner, recreating a traditional Renaissance holiday feast. The event has earned the National Association of College and University Food Service’s prestigious Horton Award for Catering.

Featured entertainers include SU Chamber Choir conducted by Dr. William Folger, director of choral studies at SU; the Herald Brass, conducted by Lee Knier; a string ensemble and some 40 SU dance and theatre students portraying Lord and Lady Merrick and their court. Sir Barchan, a knight from the Maryland Renaissance Festival, adds to the period feel.

Traditional Renaissance decorations, such as a real boar’s head, also are part of the feast. This year's production is brand new.

Menu items include roasted butternut squash soup with candied pecans; Citrus Glazed Salmon with jeweled white and wild rice; a “hunter’s platter” of pork, beef and turkey medallions in peppercorn sauce; apple dumpling a la mode; gingerbread slices and assorted breads with cinnamon butter; and wassail (a non-alcoholic spiced beverage). Vegetarian options are also available.

Courses are announced with fanfare and presented by royal servants with fanciful serving vessels. Linganore Medieval Mead (Renaissance wine made from honey) and red and white wines are sold by the glass or bottle from 6-7:15 p.m.

Three levels of seating are available. Tickets are $40, $55 and $60, sold in advance at the Information Desk of the Guerrieri University Center starting Wednesday, October 26. Seating is limited to 144 each evening.

The Cultural Affairs Office, departments of Music and Theatre and Dance, and University Dining Services sponsor the event. For more information call 410-543-6271 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.