Hey, look, it's a thread I have some expert knowledge in!
There are a LOT of appropriate folk music groups in SoCal, some of which specialize in strange instruments as mentioned in the poll. (Serpent and hurdygurty, etc). And I know them or how to get in touch with them. I'm sure Bell does too, but hey, this one I can offer some notes on.
As for music - I'm gonna toss out the link to the celtic folk-rock group I was with for a while, Sportive Tricks. They've performed at Faires and pubs in SoCal (Mostly OC - GRR!) but you may also be interested in Poxy Boggards or Merry Wives of Windsor if this is your kind of sound. I'd also recommend Wren of Iniquity if they're going for a more polished style.
http://www.sportivet...rchandise.cfm Sportive Tricks Music
I wrote Ode to Whiskey and composed the counter-harmony on Twa Corbies. I'm the soprano on the album. :D
Cheers! - Constance