Imagine if the term “heaven on earth” were real. To some Sun City concertgoers, they experienced an event near that type of grandeur at the last stop of Kali Uchis’ “Red Moon in Venus” tour. The singer performed hits across seven different sold-out concerts, including her last one at UTEP’s Don Haskins Center. From vibey hits to fist-pumping releases, Uchis made her last concert one to remember.
A last-minute change from her original opening act involving Dominican rapper Tokischa led to a short DJ session in which Latin hits were played to get the crowd ready for what was to come. After the act, the lights dimmed, and phone flashes lit up the arena accompanied by screams from excited concertgoers. The transparent curtain covering the stage was then lit up by the giant display board in the back as the screams intensified, revealing dancers holding hand fans that would later reveal Uchis.
The R&B singer started off strong, performing songs like “Muñekita” and more laid-back melodies like “See You Again” by Tyler, the Creator which Uchis is featured in. Along with some of her features and other singles, Uchis did not hesitate to bring out hits from her latest album. Songs like “Moonlight” and “I Wish You Roses” had fans singing and swaying their arms while using their phones as flashlights.
It is an understatement to say that Uchis just performed. From singing on an old-style couch to having her own solo dance on the stage, Uchis defined what it means to be a versatile artist. Each song entranced the audience, her vocals reminiscent of her studio recordings. The dancers did more than their part, providing striking dance numbers to performances coinciding with the stages.
Performing and transitioning between English and Spanish songs may be difficult for some artists, but for Uchis it was nothing more than natural. Along with her English hits, Uchis performed some of her well-known Spanish songs like “Hasta Cuando.” Uchis had the audience singing in two languages for the night, bringing together the crowd that came to see her. While the artist hails from Virginia, she does not hesitate to represent her Colombian heritage through her music. A concert perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month, Uchis knew to bring her background to the spotlight through her amazing performance.
The singer not only represents her heritage through some of her songs, but her sexuality. Uchis is openly bisexual and has used music as a way to express that. Some may say this concert came in time for two reasons now, as the concert may have been a representation for Queer History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month, all in a style like no other.
Speaking of style, Uchis’ sets screamed glamour and class as well. The white arches on the stage with two staircases winding from the top gave a reminiscent look of 1950s or ‘60s style. The couch on which Uchis performed her song “Blue” looked like a vintage furniture piece featured on the set of show like “I Love Lucy.” Soft colors like orange and purple contrasted with the sharp blues and reds that were featured throughout her sets. These lights accompanied by vibrant light effects combined with the music to create an environment that was ethereal.
Uchis’ appearance was striking as well, taking the stage with a sparkling white dress with feathers on the bottom, a ponytail with curled ends and white high heel boots. All these factors reflected the artist’s distinct soul and R&B sound, making the sets come together for an exciting concert. To end the night, Uchis performed her legendary hits back-to-back, concluding with songs such as “After the Storm,” another song with Tyler, the Creator.
From her early hits like “Melting” to some of her most famous like “Telepatía,” Kali Uchis brought her discography together for an unforgettable scene. With beautiful set design, lighting and performances given by Uchis with the dancers, everything came into place for the last show of her tour.
Elisha Nunez is a staff reporter and can be reached at [email protected]
