Mitski transforms la high school into an intimate soundscape
Mitski didn't just perform a concert Thursday night; she orchestrated an emotional homecoming, turning Hollywood High School’s auditorium into a uniquely raw and resonant space for a five-night residency. The unlikely venue, complete with a sunset-lit backdrop and cozy, living-room-esque set, proved a surprisingly fertile ground for the indie artist’s signature melancholy and lyrical prowess.
A venue choice rooted in punk roots
The decision to play a high school auditorium, a space familiar to many in the audience, wasn't accidental. Mitski, known for her intensely personal songwriting, explicitly sought to recapture the feeling of early DIY punk shows – the intimacy and connection she felt with audiences in smaller, more intimate settings. “I wanted to get back to the feeling that I had 10 years ago, 15 years ago, where I felt like I was in a room with a few people and we were really connecting and and it felt more raw,” she explained in a recent interview.
The auditorium itself has a history of hosting prominent artists; Morrissey graced its stage in 2013. But Mitski’s residency took it a step further, transforming the space into something uniquely personal. The crowd, a diverse mix of ages, responded in kind. As Mitski playfully declared, “I got you primed… It’s dark in here – no one can see you. You can cry.” And they did.
The school even incentivized attendance with a raffle for tickets for students who maintained perfect attendance for two weeks, a tactic that district staffer Michael Reagan called “definitely my most effective attendance challenge.” The impact was palpable, drawing fans from across the city and state. Sophia Barrios, a high school senior who has been a Mitski devotee since seventh grade, traveled with a friend from the Central Valley—a testament to the artist's enduring appeal.
A nostalgic return for one alumna
For some, the concert held an added layer of significance. Jessica Torres Vicente, a therapist and a Hollywood High alumna, returned to her alma mater for the first time in 12 years. She found the school remarkably unchanged, the gold lettering of the auditorium entrance a familiar beacon. “It’s kind of like memory lane, but a healthier dose than a high school reunion,” she remarked, drawn to the venue as much as to Mitski’s Music.
The performance itself delivered all the hallmarks of a Mitski show: the precise, balletic movements, the immersive visuals, and the enveloping sound. But the backdrop – the gymnasium smell, the echoes of high school memories – elevated the experience to something truly singular. As Mitski sang, “Does it smell like a school gymnasium in here?” the audience roared in unison, “Yes!” – a shared recognition of the unique space they occupied.
Beyond the artistic merit, Mitski’s residency underscored a commitment to community. The rental fee will fund caps and gowns for graduating seniors, and $2 from each ticket will be donated to a local youth Music education non-profit. “I think other artists should start being more creative with their shows like that,” she asserted, leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond the final note.