Nights of Grief & Mystery: orphanwisdom.com/nights-of-grief-and-mystery

An author and a songwriter craft a love letter to everything that won't last

Stephen Jenkinson has taught internationally and is the creator of the Orphan Wisdom School, co-founded with his wife Nathalie Roy in 2010.

He has Master’s degrees from Harvard University (Theology) and the University of Toronto (Social Work). Apprenticed to a master storyteller when a young man, he worked extensively with dying people and their families, is former programme director in a major Canadian hospital, and former assistant professor in a prominent Canadian medical school.

He is the author of Trembling, Still: The Awful Clarity of a Mind in Eclipse (2026), Matrimony: Ritual, Culture and the Heart’s Work (2025), Reckoning (with Kimberly Ann Johnson, 2022), A Generation’s Worth: Spirit Work While the Crisis Reigns (2021), Come of Age: The Case for Elderhood in a Time of Trouble (2018), the award-winning Die Wise: A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul (2015

Stephen Jenkinson is also the subject of the feature length documentary film Griefwalker (2008, dir. Tim Wilson), a portrait of his work with dying people. Lost Nation Road (2019, dir. Ian Mackenzie), is a shorter documentary on the crafting of the Nights of Grief & Mystery tours, and Murmurings of the Land (2025, dir. Mattias Olsson) is a feature-length portrait of Stephen’s land-based life.

Gregory Hoskins' recording career has spanned 35 years, 15 albums, and recording contracts in Canada, the U.S., Germany, and Asia.

Critically lauded since the 1991 release of Moon Come Up (True North/Sony), he has flown faithfully and agilely under the radar. He collaborated regularly with Toronto's renowned The Art of Time Ensemble, most notably in The Poem/The Song with Margaret Atwood, and Doghouse Roses with Michael Ondaatje. He has developed and facilitated a creation process with indigenous artists and collaborated with incarcerated women on a collection of songs written and recorded in prisons as part of Why The Caged Bird Sings. He has written for film and TV.

He is the recipient of numerous grants from OAC and Canada Council as well as a Chalmers Fellowship (2014) and Chalmers Professional Development award (2016). Gregory is 62, the father of three grown children, grandfather of two, and lives in Guelph, Ontario.

Since 2015, NIGHTS of Grief & Mystery has toured its musical tent-show revival of storytelling and song more than 300 times across North America, the U.K., Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. They released their first collection of live recordings in 2017 called Nights of Grief & Mystery (which became the de facto name of the project), and at the end of 2020 released two new records: Dark Roads (live) and Rough Gods, a collection of new work. In 2026 they released Caldera, a limited edition double vinyl featuring 9 new works.

@ Ballard Homestead

7p doors, 7:30p show

All ages, mostly seated

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EVENT & VENUE INFO:

Ballard Homestead is partially ADA accessible. Please email boxoffice@fremontabbey.org with questions and for accommodations. ballardhomestead.org/about
Service animals as defined by the ADA are allowed. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
Please limit photos during the show so as to not distract other attendees from the experience.
Please enter quietly if the show has already begun.
Please leave quietly, it's a very quiet neighborhood.
Quiet Picnics Welcome. ie. please no crunchy packaging or loud chips, smelly foods, etc. We sometimes have a few tables out, or you can use the side yard if weather is nice.
Light snacks & non-alcoholic beverages may be available for purchase, but no other food or bar service at Ballard Homestead shows.
We have a mix of padded chairs, benches, and a little standing room in back for big shows.
We are an all ages venue. Kids 10 & under are free at Abbey Arts concerts & arts events unless noted. Please request by emailing boxoffice@fremontabbey.org
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Contact the host of Nights of Grief & Mystery @ BALLARD HOMESTEAD