An author and a singer write a love letter to everything that won’t last.

A Night of Grief & Mystery combines stories and observations by author/culture activist Stephen Jenkinson, drawn from his decades of work in palliative care, with original songs/sonics by recording artist Gregory Hoskins.

These two Canadian artists have been exploring the intersection of their work for 8 years, touring across 3 continents and hundreds of cities, in 3 recordings, and 2 short films. They come to the road now in 2023 as they did in the beginning:
 the two of them, a singer and a storyteller, out into the mystery days.

Full Tour.

Facebook Event.

*****

"It was 2 hours of intense presence and openness, which is of the rarest kind. I am very grateful to have been there for that..."
 J.G., Malmo/Sweden

*****

“Masterful, mournful, inspiring…”
 JM, St. Andrews/CA

*****

"Yes, it was a beautiful night ... The kind of beauty that tightens the throat, commanding that you inhale deeply in order to surrender to the night.”
 SW, Asheville/USA

Concerts for Turbulent Times they surely are. Not poets, maybe, but the evenings are poetic. The Nights are musical and grave and raucous and stilling, which probably means they are theatrical. Love letters to life are written and read aloud. There’s some boldness in them. They have that tone. These nights have the mark of our time upon them, and they’re timely, urgent, alert, steeped in mortal mystery. They’re quixotic. They have swagger. What would you call such a thing? 

They called it Nights of Grief & Mystery.

*****
 “The show was beautiful and dark and compelling and cathartic.”
 CT, Kitchener/CA

*****
 “Such benediction and thunder.”
 MB, Boulder/USA

*****
 “What more to say about these troubadours of the night, who steal into our towns and cities and lay siege to our hearts? Who blow a hole a mile wide across the veil of normalcy. I think most probably there is only one fitting word: Hallelujah!”
 PR, Penzance/UK

*****
 “It is a rare moment to find the alignment of words and music used so uncommonly well. The interlock of Gregory and Stephen so beautifully shared. I truly feel overwhelmed by the wonder the evening.”
 SR, Topanga Canyon/USA
 
 

STEPHEN JENKINSON, MTS, MSW is an activist, teacher, author, and farmer. He is the founder of the Orphan Wisdom School in Tramore, Canada and the author of four books, including Die Wise: A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul, the award-winning book about grief and dying, and the great love of life. This was followed in 2019 with Come of Age: The Case for Elderhood in a Time of Trouble. Most recently, he published A Generation’s Worth, paired with a four-part livestream speaking series presented in Winter 2020. For more information, visit orphanwisdom.com

Canadian recording artist GREGORY HOSKINS’ solo career spans 13 recordings over 30 years and record deals on 3 continents. In addition to his work with Stephen Jenkinson, he has been a long-time collaborator with The Art of Time Ensemble, appearing on stage alongside other notable authors including Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondatje and as a featured vocalist on the ensemble’s 2020 critically lauded release, Ain’t Got Long. He appeared as the featured vocalist for Toronto cult band The Henrys on 2015’s Quiet Industry and also appeared on Kevin Breit’s I Love You in 2020. To listen to Gregory’s full catalogue, visit gregoryhoskins.com

Do not attend if you are feeling unwell.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

Once purchased tickets are non-refundable & non-transferable

A booking fee applies to all advance tickets. (All quoted prices include tax).

Over 18's only unless advertised otherwise.

If you'd like to combine separate dinner and show tables, please email team@thevanguard.com.au with both purchasers full name and booking number to avoid being seated separately. Tables cannot be combined on the night.

All children under 18 not permitted including small children and babies. Photo ID is essential, acceptable ID is a current and valid Australian Drivers Licence or Passport. Intoxicated persons will not be admitted. No thongs, steel cap boots, or spiked attire. Dangerous  behaviour including Crowd Surfing, Stage Diving, Moshing and Violent Dancing is not allowed and will result in your immediate removal from  this venue. Inappropriate behaviour at this venue will lead to your banning.