The Boston punk scene has some long standing seasonal traditions. While the end of the year means The Mighty Might Bosstones Hometown Throwdown, and Saint Patrick’s Day means downing pints of Guinness with Dropkick Murphys, Halloween belongs to Big D and the Kids Table.

Big D gets into the Halloween spirit

Boston’s Big D and the Kids Table have been pushing musical boundaries for 14 years. While they started life as a ska/punk band, over the years they have incorporated rap, traditional and 2 Tone ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, soul and do-wop into their sound. They even had local mashup kingpin DJ BC remix and mashup their back catalogu on 2007’s Strictly Mixed and Mashed.

While the music has changed over the years, their annual Boston Halloween show has always been a constant. This Halloween marks the 13th year of Big D’s holiday tradition. Costumes are not required, but many audience members choose to dress up any way, some of them opting for Big D-themed attire: “Perfect Scenesters” (inspired by the Big D song “Scenester”) and even a brave soul dressed as “The Kids Table.”

This year, the Big D Halloween spectacular is taking over The Paradise Rock Club for two nights of mayhem. The first show on October 29th features Big D headlining with Energy,  Brunt Of It and Big D guitarist Sean P. Rogan as support. The second show on October 30th features Roll The Tanks, Hayley Jane and the Primates and OurStage artists Tip The Van.

Tip The Van

Fronted by singing sisters Nicole and Simone Olivia, the six members of Tip The Van have been bringing their blend of ska, pop-punk, indie rock and reggae to dance-ready crowds since 2002. “The Big D Halloween shows are an epic annual event and we have always wanted to be a part of the festivities,” said Nicole. “Being asked to play this year is a true honor. Since Simone and I sang on Big D’s latest release, ‘Fluent In Stroll,’ and went on Warped Tour with them, we’ve all become friends and it’s really exciting to be able to join in on this year. We can’t wait!”

Purchase tickets to the October 29th Halloween show here.

Purchase tickets to the October 30th Halloween show here.

Update: Both Halloween shows are now all ages!