Providence’s North Burial Grounds Turns into a Stage

North Burial Grounds during the concert series. Photo Courtesy of Dave Alves.

Every October, when the air turns crisp and the nights are longer, Providence’s North Burial Grounds turns into something unexpected: a stage. The flicker of candlelight will guide a path to sit amongst the graves and soak in the Mausoleum Hill Sessions for the fourth year in a row, a music event that blends a concert, memorial, and quiet reflection together into one. 

For the past four years, RI local musician and producer Dave Alves has curated a beautifully haunting night, where artists perform in one of Providence’s most historic cemeteries. The idea stemmed from his love and passion for this time of year and the delicate veil between life and death. 

Alves shed light on the fact that in history, people would use burial grounds the same way we use public parks. People would stroll along it, whether to think, talk, or even play. But, over time, that custom became ‘taboo.’ Alve’s inspiration was to bring some of the tradition back, to celebrate the space with grace and respect. 

The North Burial Ground, which was founded in 1700 and is a final resting place for some of Providence’s earliest settlers, turned out to be a great fit. Other cemeteries hesitated at the idea when Alves brought it up. But in the oldest section of the grounds, among moss-covered stones and tall trees, the Mausoleum Hill Sessions were born. 

It started off as a small, three-artist event where Alves himself performed. Since the beginning, it has slowly but surely created more traction for itself, where talents such as Keith McCurdy of Vudu Sister and Steve Delmonico of The Quahogs help establish the soulful tone. The music is less about jump scares and ghost stories and more about contemplation, connection, and the bridge into death. 

“That’s the purpose of Halloween–to look death in the face and laugh,” Alves says. He explained that the artists invited to perform already have a deep emotional connection to their music that surpasses the novelty of Halloween songs. The artists already explore themes of life, loss, and crossing over, which resonate deeply in a setting such as the burial grounds. 

Staging a concert in a cemetery creates a set of unusual challenges, ones that aren’t commonly thought of. For example, there is no electricity on the property. Alves had to invest in generators that were quiet in order not to disrupt the ambiance, strong enough to provide for the food vendors, artists, and lights, all while being eco-friendly. One of Alves’ biggest concerns was to not leaving a trace, meaning that once the event is over, he doesn’t want to leave a footprint that they were there. Another issue was the bathrooms. Porta-Johns were not allowed on the property, so they would utilize a cart ride to the facilities near the entrance. This year, they are shifting the event closer to the restrooms, which ensures guests are comfortable while not compromising the grounds. 

Of course, not everyone embraces the idea. Some visitors feel uneasy about live music in a cemetery, and Alves recognizes those concerns. He recalls once meeting a grieving mother who wanted to know when the music would end so she could mourn her son in peace. 

“We always try to balance celebration with respect,” Alves says. “But I also believe that if you’re not making waves, you’re not doing it right.” 

Despite differing opinions, most attendees leave feeling touched. The goal is to allow the audience to leave feeling more comfortable with the concept of death, or to find comfort in memories of loved ones. 

Half of every $20 ticket supports maintenance of the historic burial ground, while the other half goes directly to the artists. Alves himself doesn’t make a profit, and doesn’t plan to. Instead of prioritizing money, his goal is to create something meaningful and present the immense talent within Providence.  

For Alves himself, he feels that he feels the energy most once the event is over, when the performers and audience have gone home, and he’s cleaning up. “There’s a lingering energy,” he says.

That energy is what he hopes every attendee carries home. Whether they come seeking comfort, curiosity, or simply a good show, Alves wants them to leave with something that stays with them–he calls it a “movie moment.” 

The Mausoleum Hill Sessions is a chance to gather, remember, and celebrate the line between the living and the dead. Not with fear, but with music. 

The Details: Oct. 19. 4:00p.m.–8:00p.m. North Burial Grounds, Providence, RI. Enter through the Rochambeau Gates on North Main Street. Admission $20. Visit https://www.instagram.com/pvdnorthburialground/?hl=en for more information.