by ELIZABETH SHEPHERD

Arts Editor

Islanders can celebrate Halloween in style this year at the Subconscious Population Masked Ball, slated to take place at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at Red Bicycle Bistro & Sushi.

The musical lineup for the night includes Trolls Cottage, a nationally recognized band whose members all grew up on the Island.

According to event organizer Pete Welch, the night will mark the return of an Island tradition.

“Starting in 1980 and up until a few years ago, the Subconcious Population Masked Ball was the most anticipated party of the year,” he said.

Welch recalled that he first attended the annual ball, then held at the Blue Heron Art Center, in the mid-1990s, and said the experience had helped convince him to move to the Island.

Welch said he is thrilled that the annual event is being revived at the Bike and the restaurant staff was “planning to make this particular party bigger and better than ever before.”

Welch promised that there will be spooky drink specials, delicious food, a costume contest and other surprise events throughout the evening.

Subconcious Population, fronted by Ron Hook, has been an Island institution for 25 years.

Hook, who sings and plays rhythm guitar, harmonica, sax and flute, is joined by Steve Brix on bass and backup vocals, Richard Lipke on lead guitar, guitar synth and backup vocals and Indigo Hook on drums.”

Trolls Cottage includes Earl Clay on drums, Jacob Bain on acoustic guitar/vocals, Mike Marlatt on electric guitar/vocals, Erik Reimnitz on bass/vocals and Gabriel Blake on percussion.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Bike or by calling 463-5959. Welch recommends buying tickets in advance.

The masked ball is for ages 21 and older only, and identification will be required at the door.