A concert can be the dream getaway, with it being an open invite to step inside of the mind of one’s favorite artists, even if it’s just for a few hours. For one night, El Paso fans of Kali Uchis and Thee Sacred Souls received that invitation.
Following the release of her fifth studio album, “Sincerely,” Uchis announced, “The Sincerely, Tour,” a 25-city North American run that included an Aug. 28 date at The Don Haskins Center, featuring Thee Sacred Souls as the opening act.
Unexpected rainfall didn’t stop crowds from showing up. Lines wrapped around Don Haskins, packed with fans dressed up in predominantly pink and white outfits, which is a common theme for fans attending “The Sincerely, Tour.”
“It [the outfit] took like three hours to find because I was so picky, but I found it at Aeropostale on clearance,” UTEP Alumna Brianne Lucero said. “I came to her show last year I had to come back; I’m looking forward to hearing her new album [live].”
Thee Sacred Souls kicked off the night with a performance full of heart, soul and charisma. They brought a vintage feel to the stage, mixing a 60s and 70s soul sound with a modern twist. Their laid back, sensual yet upbeat sound paired with the aesthetic of Uchis’ new album.
Even as openers, Thee Sacred Souls felt like the main act. Their sound turned seats into a dancefloor with fans singing and moving to hit songs like “Can I Call You Rose?” Lead singer Josh Lane brought an extra spark to the set by running up and down the arena stairs greeting fans.
Once Thee Sacred Souls gave their final bow, anticipation started to build again. Lights dimmed, and a video segment played on screen showing lines like “Isolation is not rejection, it is refinement,” setting the scene for what was about to unfold.
Hoisted in the air on a swing, Uchis opened with “Heaven is a home…” a dreamy, heartfelt ballad of strength and love. Uchis sat draped in a flowing white fabric, engulfed by the soft blue lights and thick waves of fog, bringing her fans into heaven and making it impossible to look away.
Uchis continued to play songs off her new album, including “Sugar! Honey! Love!,” “It’s Just Us,” and “All I Can Say.” Each song came with its own coordinated ensemble, including choreography and visuals that matched each tone of the track, while staying true to the lover girl dream aesthetic of the album.
The “Sincerely,” segment closed with “Sunshine & Rain…,” a warm, intimate song about life’s shifting seasons. During the intermission before the next portion of the show, Uchis displayed a video of her upbringing and childhood as a Colombian American and addressing immigration.
“I was raised to believe we had to work harder,” Uchis said. “We have to educate others that Latinos are people who have achieved many things worldwide… without immigrants, there is no America.”
From the heartfelt moments, the energy dove into a fiery rhythm, with Uchis performing her Spanish album “ORQIDEAS” including songs like “Muñekita,” “Diosa,” and “Dame Beso // Muevete.” This part of the show brought a vibrant, sultry shift both visually and emotionally with its cumbia and reggaeton inspired beats.
The setlist covered a wide range of her career, from the early sounds of her 2015 debut album “Por Vida,” to her 2018 album of heart break and independence, “Isolation.” Songs like “Speed,” “After the Storm,” and “Rush” brought waves of nostalgia for fans, while well-known hits like “telepatia” brought the crowd into a singing frenzy.
As the night ended, Uchis took her time with fans, reading signs, taking requests and even singing a few lines in acapella. It was more than just a concert, Uchis gave a journey that took the crowd through love, pain, and identity leaving both new and old fans with a memory of a lifetime
Iziah Moreno is the photo editor and may be reached at [email protected]
