Last Saturday on a warm October night, Tori Kelly took The Tabernacle's stage for her Purple Skies tour, captivating a diverse crowd of fans at the start of every song. From the moment the house lights dimmed, the energy in the room was strong, setting the tone for a night of soulful music, insane vocal runs, and dynamic performances.
Opening for Tori Kelly was Maisy Kay, an up-and-coming English artist with powerful vocals and an even more powerful stage presence. Dressed like a butterfly, Maisy floated across the stage with ease, showcasing her versatility with a cover of Katy Perry’s "I Kissed a Girl." Her performance was a fitting introduction to the night, warming up the audience for the headliner.
As the anticipation for Tori Kelly built, the crowd was buzzing, especially as the pre-show playlist filled the venue. Every Single song played before Tori took the stage had every attendee singing along and trying to guess what would play next. Fans of all ages were in attendance, including a young girl with a bedazzled “My First Concert” t-shirt, showing how Kelly’s music plays a part in every generation.
When Tori took the stage in a silhouette with purple lights all around her, opening with "thing u do" from her latest album, the cheers were deafening. The song was an instant hit, and from that point on, Tori had the audience in the palm of her hand.
Tori Kelly’s signature vocal runs and high notes, which brings her fans from every corner of the country, were the highest anticipation of the night. What made this performance truly special was the unique R&B twist she added to her pop songs. In each note, she balanced angelic tones with a forceful presence that had everyone erupting in applause before the song was over. Her set also paid homage to her influences, most notably Destiny’s Child. She even mashed up their iconic "Say My Name" with her own song, "Cut," seamlessly blending the two songs into her own.
Tori's stage presence was magnetic. She worked every inch of the stage, even dragging her microphone stand along with her to make sure every fan had their time with her. Her hair choreography added flair to her hip-hop-inspired moves, keeping the energy high throughout the night. The stage design, featuring dynamic light poles of different heights, played an active role in the performance, with lights synced to the beat of the drums, elevating the power of her band.
One of the most memorable moments of the night came during the acoustic set, where Tori asked the crowd which songs they wanted to hear. Fans enthusiastically chose “Paper Hearts” and “All in My Head,” songs that brought a wave of nostalgia to the room as they were from her earlier albums. Stripped of the full band, Tori's raw talent filled the venue, especially during her cover of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You."
"[The crowd was] so loud I couldn’t even hear myself,” said Kelly, a testament to the love and support pouring in from everyone in attendance.
Tori's connection with the audience went beyond her music. She paused to interact with fans, even wishing one a happy birthday, creating intimate moments amidst the larger event. The room was filled with a sense of unity and appreciation, a bittersweet end to a night that showcased not just Tori Kelly's impressive vocals, but also her humility and love for her fans.
“I look around this room and I get so emotional, thinking back to my younger self,” said Kelly.
Tori Kelly’s Purple Skies tour was nothing short of magical. With an electric mix of hip-hop choreography, R&B-infused ballads, and acoustic moments that highlighted her undeniable vocal talent, it was a night no one could forget. Whether performing her own hits or blending in covers of iconic tracks, Tori proved that she is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
The rest of Purple Skies tour will continue as follows:
10/11 The Fillmore Charlotte | Charlotte, NC
10/12 The Fillmore Silver Spring | Silver Spring, MD
10/14 Stage AE | Pittsburg, PA
10/16 Terminal 5 | New York, NY
10/18 The Fillmore Philadelphia | Philadelphia, PA
10/19 Citizens House of Blues Boston | Boston, MA
10/21 MTELUS | Montereal, Canada
10/22 History | Toronto, Canada
10/24 Royal Oak Music Theatre | Royal Oak, MI
10/25 Egyptian Room at Old National Centre | Indianapolis, IN
10/27 Steelhouse Omaha | Omaha, NE
10/28 Cain's Ballroom | Tulsa, OK
10/30 Emo's Austin | Austin, TX
11/1 House of Blues Houston | Houston, TX
11/2 House of Blues Dallas | Dallas, TX
11/4 The Van Buren | Phoenix, AZ
11/9 The Wiltern | Los Angeles, CA
