House of Music

Kali Uchis

Golden 1 Center

Sacramento, CA

September 24th, 2023

Review by Alexander Andrade

*MAIN PHOTO* by Macy Bryant

Kali Uchis, the Grammy-winning artist, performed at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA on September 24th, 2023, as part of her Red Moon In Venus Pt. II Tour. The event was highly anticipated, as Uchis’ recent album, Red Moon In Venus, debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200, marking her first top 10 charting album.

Kali Uchis has quickly become one of the most promising names in the music industry, known for her genre-defying sound that blends reggae, R&B, and soul. Her unique and flourishing career has been shaped by her upbringing, which saw her split her time between the United States and Colombia.

On a mesmerizing night at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, Kali Uchis, headlining for the first time since 2019, radiated unshakable confidence as she wove a bilingual R&B enchantment. Her concert, a celebration of feminine independence and self-expression, unfolded under the watchful gaze of a digital red moon that rose above two onstage staircases and three archways.

The audience erupted with excitement as Uchis’s dancers, bathed in a crimson glow, appeared carrying a massive, feathery bundle. Amidst a shower of sparkles, Uchis herself emerged, seemingly from thin air, launching directly into her recent single, “Muñekita.”

Flanked by six dancers, who resembled devoted disciples on either side of her, Uchis graced the stage in a red skirt, high ankle boots, and her iconic long hair. The set design embraced a divine theme, with white archways evoking the ambiance of a Greco-Roman temple, adding visual depth to the performance. At times, Uchis stood atop the arches as if on a pedestal, while in more vulnerable moments, she leaned against the archways for support, framed within their walls. The dancers mirrored her every move, filling every inch of the stage with their graceful presence.

The concert opened with a barrage of Uchis’s chart-topping hits, seamlessly transitioning from “Muñekita” to “See You Again,” “Moonlight,” “Worth the Wait,” and “Fantasy.” Without pause between songs, Uchis commanded the stage with relentless energy, gliding down staircases and striking powerful poses at center stage, feeding off the crowd’s electric enthusiasm.

Uchis allowed her music to do the talking, showcasing her discography’s delicate balance of intimacy and danceability through an expertly crafted setlist. A captivating series of four Spanish-language dance covers provided both Uchis and her dancers with the opportunity to shine, inviting the audience to join in the rhythmic celebration.

Kali Uchis’s ability to seamlessly blend English and Spanish has always been a hallmark of her artistry. During “Moonlight,” she leaned into her bilingualism and followed it with an unreleased Spanish song, described as deeply personal.

Before concluding the evening with her final two songs, Uchis ventured to the edge of the stage to connect with her adoring fans. In a heartwarming moment, she signed an album for a lucky concertgoer.

The night reached its climax with “I Wish You Roses” and a special rendition of “After the Storm,” where Uchis showcased her impressive vocal harmonies. As the final notes resonated, she departed the stage in the same ethereal fashion she had arrived, carried away in a feathery cocoon by her devoted dancers. Kali Uchis had created an unforgettable evening, casting a spell of feminine empowerment and bilingual magic that left the Golden 1 Center audience in awe.

The concert showcased Uchis’ talent and stage presence, with fans praising her performance. The event was a testament to her rising star status, as she continues to captivate audiences with her atmospheric and anthemic melodies.