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Halloween: Expected and Unexpected 
Encounters with Good Music
 They did the Mash!by Ava Sauer B’27published 11/09/26

Courtesy of Ava Sauer

The Tuesday before Halloween, I sat in a Sears classroom, staring idly at a clock through a late lecture. Suddenly, the clock began to shake, and the whole room was swallowed in the shrieks and squeals of the famous Brown University organ. It was as if the space was transformed into Dracula’s chambers as a haunting rendition of Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Bach, the Halloween classic that so many know and love, consumed the room. It was captivating, not only because of its beauty, but also because of the impact it seemed to have on my classmates. Everyone began to stir, sending small smiles and glances around the room, tapping the familiar tune with their pencils and feet. 

Although I did not hear the organ play on Halloween night as many Brown students waited hours to do, I felt honored to be able to start my Halloweek with such an iconic piece of live music. I would soon find out that this was only the beginning of a long string of wonderful live and not-so-live performances that accompanied me through the weekend. 

The next night, a group of friends and I went to Moonshine, a bar downtown where city folks pretend to be cowboys. My expectations were low for a random Wednesday night, but soon after grabbing our first flight of citrus flavored moonshine, a band began to play, and everyone perked right up. The band, a Providence College student group named Peephole, played a set of classic rock songs. From Mary Jane to Wagon Wheel, the crowd swayed and sang along to the familiar melodies and choruses as Alvin and the Chipmulks jammed together on stage. I love a cover of anything classic rock and adored the band’s enthusiasm and appreciation for such legendary songs. I walked out of Moonshine happier and tipsier than I walked in — mostly due to the great music. 



Peephole, Courtesy of Ava Sauer
Setlist, Courtesy of Ava Sauer

Thursday and Friday flew by in a whir of wigs, body paint, and houseparties. One of my favorite feelings is walking down a street with a jumble of music spilling from different places. To the left, Cardi B, to the right, partner karaoke of Copacabana, up ahead, a live rendition of Teenage Dirtbag. “Follow the sound of disco!!!!” read one sign posted outside of a house whose top unit was blasting Brittany Spears, partygoers stumbling down the driveway in search of its source. This feeling always serves as a reminder of the thing that brings people together, that gets people out of their rooms and houses and into a common space: music. 

Halloween day passed by with “Ghostbusters” and “Monster Mash” on repeat. Despite our desperation and buckets of candy, no trick-or-treaters were enticed by our cheesy porch karaoke. To reconcile, we ventured back downtown that night. We had nowhere specific in mind and were planning to walk until we found somewhere worth being, but it took no longer than five minutes before we ran into a free block party outside of The George. It featured partygoers dressed as everything under the sun, snacks and drinks, and a live DJ. Popping in next door to The Stable brought a vibrant crowd listening predominantly to Latin pop and rap music. This was accompanied by drag performances on the bar and small stage on the dance floor. 

Reflecting on Halloweekend, what brought it all together was the wide array of great music that accompanied it. Whether it be an organ, live bands, or the classic “Monster Mash,” Halloween would lose its spark without the music that makes it so great. 



Ava Sauer B’27 has been jamming to “The Gold It’s in the...” by Pink Floyd.

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