Mitski performs at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago on March 24, 2024.
A performance by Mitski, whose critically-acclaimed 2023 album The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We landed on many best of the year lists, is always something to celebrate. Her poetic music paired with her emotive movements transcend the typical concert-going experience, creating an atmosphere more akin to a one-woman show than a rock concert. On the evening of March 24, Mitski concluded her sold-out, four-night run at the historic Auditorium Theatre in Chicago with a beautiful show that used minimalistic techniques to maximum effect.
With perfectly placed spotlights, a pair of cabaret chairs, and an elevated platform, Mitski was able to bring to life stories of love, heartbreak, and yearning. After beginning the show with a breathtaking rendition of “Everyone” – during which Mitski sang behind a curtain, her shadow towering over the stage – which was followed by “Buffalo Replaced” and the Laurel Hell stand-out “Working for the Knife,” Mitski shared her appreciation for fans coming out as well as expressing her joy at getting to perform at such an historic venue.
“Hey, how many people are here at their very first show? That is so cool. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Not all the shows you see for the rest of your life are going to be this good, I gotta say,” Mitski said with a laugh before commenting on the lack of a GA floor, an element that older fans certainly appreciated. “I’m just kidding, but I can tell you it is actually really lovely to get to sit down.”
Mitski performs at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago on March 24, 2024.
All jokes aside, watching the show in an environment that inspires reverence as opposed to rowdiness elevated the entire affair as fans were able to take in every note, expression and movement free from distractions. Whether it was the cinematic visuals of “Star” or the nuances of Mitski’s impressive vocal range on “I’m Your Man,” every detail was able to be fully absorbed in this theatrical setting. Elsewhere in the set, a cascading chandelier reflected “light shinin’ down” on Mitski and beaming out into the crowd to create a stunning sensory experience during “My Love Is Mine All Mine” while the dramatic transition between “Thursday Girl” and “Geyser” inspired awe.
All night long, Mitski was accompanied by an incredible band led by guitarist and music director Patrick Hyland. The full sound of the musicians added to the alluring cabaret vibes of “Valentine, Texas” and a slinky slide guitar leaned in to the country twang of “Heaven.” The honky tonk treatment was also given to new arrangements of “Love Me More” and “I Don’t Smoke” creating a whole new way to enjoy classic Mitski favorites. “Pink in the Night” also received a rhythmic update, giving Bruno Esrubilsky (drums) and Brijean Murphy (percussion) a chance to show-off their chops as Mitski once again let her humor shine through with a truly joyful presentation.
Earlier in the night, Australian singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin set the stage with a lovely performance that celebrated her talents as well as the acoustics in the room. You could hear a pin drop during Jacklin’s acapella performance of “Too in Love to Die” and her closing rocker “Pressure to Party” had fans dancing in their seats.
Julia Jacklin performs at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago on March 24, 2024.
Before finishing her headlining set with “Fireworks” and sharing an energetic encore comprised of Be the Cowboy hits “Nobody” and “Washing Machine Heart,” Mitski once again thanked the crowd, especially those seated way up in the gallery level who braved such great heights all night long.
“We were all up there and it’s scary,” said Mitski. “You can really feel the call of the void up there.”
Perhaps fans were able to block out intrusive, impulsive “call of the void” thoughts and put their fears aside because Mitski – although she recognizes danger – somehow makes everything feel like it’s going to be okay.
Mitski will continue to tour the world through September. Click here to pick-up tickets and more information can be found at Mitski.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
