Solstice was founded in 1976 (under the name Seven A Side) by James Hawn. A teacher at Evan Hardy Collegiate in Saskatoon, he wanted to create a venue for Hardy graduates to keep singing. He used his network to find gigs for the group outside of the school setting. The name soon changed to Solstice, even though Gregg wanted Aurora Borealis.

 

Music in those early years was largely pop and show tunes. However, Hawn quickly recognized the need to keep challenging the vocalists in the group and the focus shifted to vocal jazz. Not only was the music more challenging, it was also very fulfilling.

 

With the change to vocal jazz came the necessity for a jazz combo and vocal amplification in order to better to suit the genre.

 

In 1986, Hawn left the group to teach in Germany and Jean Currie took over the leadership role. 

 

In 1996, Solstice was honoured to receive the Special Recognition Award from the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.