Kali Uchis plays a sold-out show for Special Olympics Chicago

Kali Uchis

Metro // Chicago, IL // July 30, 2019

Fans gathered for a night of music and dancing, all for a good cause.

Nelarusky benefit by Kate Scott

As fans gathered at the Metro to see Iris Temple, Tatiana Hazel, and Kali Uchis, there was a sense of excitement in the air. While much of this was for the artists themselves, this show was also a benefit concert for Special Olympics Illinois. The 13th annual Nelarusky benefit show raised over $30,000 for Special Olympics Illinois, which included a silent auction for 4-day Lollapalooza tickets. Despite being two days before Lolla, the show is officially billed as a Lolla aftershow and is geared towards the festival crowd.

Nelarusky benefit by Kate Scott

Kali Uchis, fresh off her co-headlining tour with R&B superstar Jorja Smith, has graced Chicago’s presence a few times in the last year. Her shows have been in much bigger venues, however, so seeing her in a more intimate setting felt like a new experience. Uchis came onstage dressed in a denim skirts and a 90s-style hairdo, smiling and waving to her screaming fans. As someone gave her a bouquet of fresh roses, she started singing her hit “Dead to Me”.

Kali Uchis by Kate Scott

Kali Uchis has been slowly gaining fame since she released her EP Por Vida in 2015, and she’s nearly hit superstar status. I caught her set at Lollapalooza last year, and she has only gotten better since then. While she certainly knows how to command a massive stage, she danced the same way on Metro’s modest stage as she did at Lolla. Her voice was as sharp as ever, although she did seem to rely on the crowd singing along more than she had in the past. Nevertheless, the show went off without a hitch, and all for a good cause.