An Evening at the Mausoleum with Jessica Pratt

Nothing says Friday the 13th like opening night in a cemetery.

When Chicagoans heard that Empty Bottle Presents and the Bohemian National Cemetery would host an opening tour night for Miss Jessica Pratt on Friday the 13th, tickets vanished into thin air. With little information on what the venue would look or feel like, curiosity grew more each day as the “Beyond the Gate” event date approached.

As one arrived at the cemetery, eerie anticipation filled the air. You were handed a brochure detailing the night’s agenda, adding to the thrill of the experience. Despite the sun still shining brightly, spectators gathered their lawn chairs, blankets, and light jackets, creating a cozy atmosphere among the grass. Excited chatter filled the air as everyone discussed the oddly cool venue and forecast of the upcoming show.

At a punctual 6pm, the acclaimed songwriter and guitarist Rosali kicked off the night. As the crowd cheered her on, her lovely voice was euphoric. Performing songs from her latest studio album, Bite Down, the night started wonderfully. Her set was light and perfect, like the late summer sun’s lovely shine. With energy straight from the heart of North Carolina, everyone was hypnotized by Rosali’s sound. You couldn’t help but feel free in the band’s indie guitar strums and vibrations of the bass drum. Smiles abounded and organic wine in hand, the sun set exactly at 7:02 PM, and Rose City Band was up next.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Rose City Band, the Country Psychedelic Rock band from California, received an outpouring of shouts and cheers from the audience. Their set featured a diverse selection of both their latest hits and past favorites, captivating the crowd with their groovy guitar riffs and smooth vocals. The orange and yellow light reflecting off the sepulcher added to the mesmerizing atmosphere. As the band played, many concert-goers rose from their blanketed seats and gathered around the stage to get a closer look at the iconic group. Transitioning seamlessly from the folk vibe preceding them, Rose City Band left a lasting impression with a 10/10 classic Psychedelic-Rock performance. 

As darkness falls over the cemetery, lines start forming around the local drink and food trucks as a large crowd gathers. Sparks from lighters and cigarette butts light up the crowd like fireflies, while clouds of bug repellent fill the air. Lanterns illuminate a pathway to the mausoleum to help latecomers find their spot for the spooky lawn show. In the night sky, the moon is in its Waxing Gibbous phase, and Friday the 13th is in full swing. Stage lights turn blue, and soft excited cheers fill the air as Jessica Pratt takes the stage. Dressed in all black, Jessica strums her guitar, and the crowd falls silent. The energy in the cemetery is perfect for the mysterious, haunting, and timeless voice of Miss Pratt. Captivating acoustic, nostalgic sounds echo from the band, making you feel as if you’ve been in this very spot before. It sounds as if you’re listening to her on vinyl as the woodwinds fill the air. The musician’s set featured new and old tracks that kept eyes on her the whole night. As the evening drew to a close, Jessica Pratt expressed her gratitude to the crowd and bid everyone a heartfelt good night. The collaboration between Empty Bottle Presents and Bohemian National Cemetery ensured that this night became an unforgettable end-of-summer experience for all music enthusiasts. It was truly a night that will be etched in everyone’s memories.