History of Halloween

Every year on October 31st we put on fun costumes and get our fill of Halloween candy. But how did it all begin?

The ancient Celts celebrated their new year on November 1st. They marked the end of harvest, and their new year’s eve with a festival called Samhain.

Believing that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead were blurred, on October 31st the Celtic people would commemorate this event with huge sacred bonfires. They would burn sacrifices to ehrie Celtic deities, wore costumes, and tried to predict each other’s futures.

Fastforward to 40 AD and the majority Celts have been conquered by the Roman Empire. Over time there was a blending of Celtic and Roman festivals including Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead, and the day to honour Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. Perhaps this is why we bob for apples?

By the 9th century christianity had spread amonst Celtic lands and blended with older Celtic rights. Christians celebrated All Souls’ Day, potentially in an attempt to replace Samhain and other non christian celebrations with a church approved holiday. The All Saints day was also known as All-Hallows or All-hallowmans, and the night before as All-Hallows Eve, which ultimately became Halloween.

As settlers moved to North America, they brought their Halloween traditions from all over europe. People started handing out candy in exchange for not being tricked, and the day became more secular and community focused.

These days Halloween is filled with fun costumes, tiny candies, and themed concerts!

We hope you have a wonderful, and fun filled Halloween!

Linsey Levendall

Our program cover art was created by Linsey Levendall

Linsey is a self-developed multidisciplinary creative originally from the Cape Flats of Cape Town, South Africa but now living with his wife and two dogs in a small town in rural Saskatchewan, Canada.

He works closely withThe Black Heart Gang and Shy The Sun as a conceptual designer on groundbreaking animation for both the local and international market. He also makes up one half of the duo Bison.

In his spare time, Linsey compulsively illustrates in various mediums for both business (on freelance projects) and pleasure. He says his intricately executed and seemingly disturbing work is driven by a need to be in sync with his subconscious thoughts and dreams. Linsey defines his work as being engaging decadence, mildly trippy and takes great joy in entertaining the viewer with obscure controlled chaotic worlds and strangely interesting and complex characters.

While his skill lies in his versatility and ability to adapt to various styles, he finds himself mostly drawn to Cubism, Surrealism and Pop Surrealism. In his work he aims to stay open to evolving and preserving unconventional thinking.

See more of Linsey’s work by following him on instagram. @linsey_levendall

Join us at the Hub

The concert ends, you exit TCU Place, and you’re still brimming with excitement after such a fabulous evening. Where to next?

Cross the street and join us over at the Hub at Holiday Inn!

It’s the perfect place to grab a post-concert drink, and snack, alongside fellow SSO patrons, musicians, and the feature guest artists.

We have complimentary appetizers on a first come first-serve basis!

 

What’s happening at the Bassment

The Bassment is one of Canada’s premier jazz clubs and provides musicians of all skill levels a venue to showcase their talents in front of a live audience while accessing a variety of professional, concert-grade instruments. The club offers an intimate, personal concert space with a world-class stage for local, national, and international artists.

Here’s a sample of what’s happening next at The Bassment

Stephen Fearing
March 22, 2023

 

SONGWRITER SERIES • DOORS @ 6:30PM • SHOW @ 7:30PM

www.stephenfearing.ca

Stephen Fearing’s music is a mesmerizing blend of roots, folk, and pop. Co-founder of Canadian roots-rock supergroup Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, he is a beguiling teller of tales and a master guitarist who has delighted audiences throughout North America, the UK, and Europe. A multi-JUNO and Canadian Folk Music award winner, Stephen has collaborated with Bruce Cockburn, Rosanne Cash, Richard Thompson, Sarah McLachlan, Margo Timmins, Keb’ Mo’, and Suzie Vinnick.

Sponsored David’s Distinctive Men’s Apparel

Buy Tickets

The Slocan Ramblers
March 27, 2023

BLUEGRASS SERIES • DOORS @ 6:30PM • RUSH SEATING

www.slocanramblers.com

The reigning champions of Canadian bluegrass, the Slocan Ramblers are back showcasing their unique blend of bluegrass, old-time, and folk. The band’s set list is marked by thoughtful songwriting, lightning fast-instrumentals, and sawdust-thick vocals.

This show will feature the Ramblers at the top of their game playing selections from their three previous releases and their latest album, Up the Hill and Through the Fog. Say hello to your new favourite band!

Sponsored by Northern Lights Bluegrass & Old Tyme Music Society

Buy Tickets

Erin Propp and Larry Roy
April 1, 2023

JAZZ SINGER SERIES • DOORS @ 6:30PM • SHOW @ 7:30PM

www.erinpropp.com

https://erinpropplarryroy.bandcamp.com/album/we-want-all-the-same-things

Erin Propp (vocals) and Larry Roy (guitar) reach into the everyday and blur the edges, creating works that are deeply personal and achingly relatable. Erin and Larry’s musical abilities are tools of exacting expression, expertly honed. Their debut stunner, Courage, My Love, won Best Jazz Album of the Year at the 2013 Western Canadian Music Awards and a 2014 JUNO nomination for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. Touring in support of their latest recording, We Want All The Same Things, Erin and Larry will be joined by Mark DeJong (sax) and Kodi Hutchinson (bass).

Sponsored David’s Distinctive Men’s Apparel

Buy Tickets

Florian Hoefner Trio
April 22, 2023

PIANO SERIES • DOORS @ 6:30PM • SHOW @ 7:30PM

https://florian-hoefner.com

Born and raised in Germany, trained in New York, and now based in St. John’s, JUNO-nominated jazz pianist and composer Florian Hoefner draws from a myriad of influences that cumulate in his unique brand of modern jazz. His Canadian trio featuring Andrew Downing (bass) and Nick Fraser (drums) released its initial album, First Spring, in 2019. Featuring Florian’s arrangements of folk tunes from around the world, the album won Instrumental Recording of the Year and Jazz Recording of the Year at the 2020 East Coast Music Awards. The trio is touring Canada to promote its second release, Desert Bloom.

Sponsored David’s Distinctive Men’s Apparel

Buy Tickets

Don Vappie & Jazz Créole
May 13, 2023

JAZZ TRAVELLERS SERIES • DOORS @ 6:30PM • SHOW @ 7:30PM • RUSH SEATING

www.stevedawson.ca

An award-winning Créole banjoist/vocalist, Don Vappie is the living embodiment of 300 years of the melting pot that is New Orleans music. Best known as the banjoist in Wynton Marsalis’s Jazz and the Lincoln Centre Orchestra, Don is also recognized for his nurturing approach to Créole culture and its preservation. Widely considered one of the best banjoists in the history of New Orleans, he’s kept alive the tradition of his predecessor Danny Barker and has been honoured with awards from Créole society for preserving this cultural treasure.

Jazz Créole combines all genres of New Orleans music, from traditional to modern-day funk, with the classic tradition of a string band. The group features three musicians from the UK band the Dime Notes: David Horniblow (clarinet), Dave Kelbie (guitar), and Tom Wheatley (bass). Don Vappie has received numerous acclamations from other musicians, including one from Iggy Pop: “He can start the party with his banjo. He sure can!”

Sponsored by David’s Distinctive Men’s Apparel

Buy Tickets