News Summary
The Mausoleum Hill Sessions returns to Providence, Rhode Island, featuring music, contemplation, and reflection at the historic North Burial Ground. Curated by local musician Dave Alves, the event emphasizes themes of life and death in an atmospheric setting. Scheduled for October 19, the series has grown from a small gathering to a popular concert series with local talent. With all proceeds split between maintenance and artists, the sessions aim to honor memories while offering a space for attendees to engage with their emotions regarding mortality.
Providence, Rhode Island is set to host the Mausoleum Hill Sessions, a concert series held annually at the North Burial Ground every October, marking its fourth consecutive year. This unique event combines music, memorial, and quiet reflection, creating an atmosphere that embraces the themes of life and death, particularly in relation to the Halloween season.
The series is curated by local musician and producer Dave Alves, who aims to inspire attendees to contemplate the delicate relationship between existence and mortality. This event seeks to revive a tradition where burial grounds functioned as public parks, offering spaces for contemplation and social gatherings.
Established in 1700, the North Burial Ground serves as the resting place for some of Providence’s earliest settlers. While other cemeteries have been hesitant to host similar events, the Mausoleum Hill Sessions have found a fitting home amid the historic grave markers, drawing crowds with its distinctive approach.
Initially a small gathering of three artists, the event has since gained popularity, featuring performances from local musicians such as Keith McCurdy and Steve Delmonico. Unlike typical Halloween events that focus on horror, the music at the Mausoleum Hill Sessions centers around contemplation, encapsulating themes of life, loss, and the journey into death.
Organizers face unique challenges while hosting the concert series. The North Burial Ground lacks electrical amenities, necessitating the use of quiet, eco-friendly generators to power equipment. Additionally, the event has strict guidelines in place to ensure respect for the burial ground, including an emphasis on leaving no trace after the event concludes. Portable restrooms are prohibited, which has prompted organizers to facilitate safe access to restroom facilities for guests.
Dave Alves recognizes the complexity of emotions surrounding the event, as some visitors may experience mixed feelings about celebrating life in a burial ground setting. Nevertheless, the aim is to provide participants with a space to confront and become more comfortable with the concept of death while honoring the memory of loved ones.
This year’s Mausoleum Hill Sessions are scheduled for October 19, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at the North Burial Grounds in Providence. Tickets are priced at $20, with half the proceeds dedicated to maintaining the burial ground and the other half allocated to the performing artists. It is also important to note that Alves does not benefit financially from the event; his primary focus is on creating meaningful experiences for attendees and showcasing local talent.
In line with its mission, the Mausoleum Hill Sessions aim to leave participants with lasting memories, offering a poignant “movie moment” that resonates beyond the concert performance. Admission includes entrance through the Rochambeau Gates on North Main Street, and additional details can be found on their Instagram page.
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Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Monthly: North Burial Ground
- Providence Journal: Black History Month Walking Tours
- What’s Up Newp: This Day in RI History
- Philadelphia Magazine: Historic Cemeteries in Philadelphia
- Wikipedia: Cemetery
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
