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On the evening of April 5th, 2023, music enthusiasts in Chicago were treated to a night of exceptional performances by two exceptional bands - KAINA and Combo Chimbita. The show, which was held at the renowned Thalia Hall, started at 8:30 PM with the soulful sounds of KAINA, setting the tone for an evening of diverse and mesmerizing music. As the crowd eagerly waited, Combo Chimbita took the stage around 9:45 PM and delivered a breathtaking performance that showcased their unique blend of psychedelic cumbia, salsa, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, mixed with a bit of heavy metal. With their individual styles and captivating energy, KAINA and Combo Chimbita provided an unforgettable musical experience that left the audience wanting more.
About Thalia Hall and The Artists:
Let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of the performance venue for these two bands. It is imperative to understand the essentiality of Thalia Hall as a platform for showcasing diverse musical acts. Thalia Hall is one of many beautiful historical sites located in Pilsen. Pilsen is a vibrant and culturally rich community located in Chicago’s lower west side. Together with its vibrant cultural scene, varied cuisine, and extensive history, Pilsen is renowned for its distinctive architecture, street art, and vivid murals. The area has a long history of serving as a focal point for Mexican-American culture, which is evident in the large number of eateries, stores, and galleries it boasts. John Dusek established Thalia Hall at the turn of the century as a local hangout. He was the founder of Thalia Hall and a visionary. In 1892, he was successful in accomplishing his dream of establishing a community hall at the intersection of 18th and Allport. Thalia Hall was closed to the public in the 1960s, but up until the end of 2013, it was essentially unaltered by its new owners, Bruce Finkelman and Craig Golden. They reopened a restaurant with a beer theme, a cocktail bar with a Punch theme, and a public hall suitable for all kinds of gatherings.
Photograph: Thalia Hall | Thalia Hall (https://www.thaliahallchicago.com/)
KAINA and Combo Chimbita are two dynamic musical acts that have captured the attention of audiences across the United States. KAINA's soulful vocals and eclectic blend of indie pop, soul, and R&B create a powerful and emotionally resonant listening experience. Her introspective lyrics touch on themes of love, identity, and self-discovery; showcasing her unique perspective as a first-generation American with Guatemalan and Venezuelan roots. Combo Chimbita, on the other hand, uses a range of international influences to create a more experimental sound. The band's members are from Colombia, Ecuador, and the US, and the psychedelic rock, cumbia, funk, and heavy metal influences can be heard in their music. Combo Chimbita's music, which focuses on rhythm and percussion, is made to get people up and moving, and their live performances are recognized for their high-intensity presentations. Both KAINA and Combo Chimbita are enthusiastic, gifted musicians who are committed to pushing the limits of their craft, despite having differing styles and influences. The colorful and creative music of Combo Chimbita, or the lyrical songs of KAINA are both likely to fascinate fans and leave a lasting impact.
The Opening Act: KAINA
The unique layout of the concert stage immediately caught my attention. Positioned on the floor of the house where the audience is typically seated, the small rectangular stage provided an intriguing setup for the event. The audience was given the option to either stand around the stage or sit on the second floor of the hall, providing different vantage points to observe the performance. Additionally, each band member was positioned at one corner of the rectangular stage, fostering an intimate connection between the musicians and the audience.
This strategic setup created a profound atmosphere that allowed the audience to immerse themselves in the music and feel a deeper connection to the performers.
At approximately 8:30 PM, KAINA began her performance with the song "Anybody Could Be in Love." Accompanying KAINA on stage were several talented musicians, including Brain Sanborn on electric guitar, Ryan The Person on drums, Sen Mormimoto, who displayed his proficiency with multiple instruments such as the keyboard, saxophone, and synthesizers, and last but not least, STNFX on bass.
The talented musicians onstage gave an outstanding performance that left me in awe. KAINA's voice was particularly captivating, evoking a range of emotions that added depth to her already moving songs. Ryan The Person delivered a remarkable performance on the drums, infusing the music with his infectious energy and contagious smile. The audience responded enthusiastically to his dynamic drum solos, dancing wildly in response. STNFX, though more reserved compared to the other musicians, still made a significant contribution with his exceptional bass playing. I personally appreciate the emotional depth and rhythmic foundation that the bass provides to a song, and STNFX did not disappoint. Brain Sanborn dazzled the audience with his impressive guitar solos, while Sen Mormito's versatility as a multi-instrumentalist was nothing short of impressive. Not only did he switch effortlessly between saxophone, keyboard, and synthesizers, but he also lent his voice as a backup vocalist and even performed with KAINA during "Good Feeling." Collectively, the band members showcased their individual talents, resulting in a truly unforgettable performance that included engaging interactions with the audience, such as leading them in a sing-along during "Good Feeling." The energy on stage was electric, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
The Main Act: Combo Chimbita
Combo Chimbita features Carolina Oliveros as their lead vocalist, who also plays the guacharaca - an Indigenous percussion instrument crafted from the trunk of a small palm tree. Joining her on stage are Niño Lento Es Fuego on guitar, Prince of Queens on bass and synthesizers, and Dilemastronauta on drums. Together, this talented group of musicians creates a unique and dynamic sound that leaves the crowd wanting more. The atmosphere in the Thalia Hall was palpable as the audience impatiently awaited the start of the show. The atmosphere was tense with apprehensive excitement overheating conversations. The crowd suddenly grew silent, and the lights suddenly became dim. The band members slowly made their way up to the little unique stage on the house floor of the hall after emerging from the right side of the stage. As the musicians took their positions, tuned their instruments, and got ready to perform a night of outstanding music, the audience erupted in cheers and applause. The excitement in the air was palpable as the band prepared to embark on their musical journey, and the audience was eager to be a part of it all. The band kicked off their performance with the energetic and captivating opening song, "Mujer Jaguar."
Photograph: Camila Falquez | Combo Chimbita for Rolling Stone (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/combo-chimbita-interview-1296882/)
The performance by Combo Chimbita left an indelible impression on me. Carolina Oliveros' powerful and unique vocals had a way of touching one's soul. The entire band was in high spirits, dancing and smiling throughout the night, adding even more flame to the fusion of their music. The interaction between the band and the crowd was electric - they fed off each other's energy and put on a hypnotic performance that had everyone dancing, jumping, and cheering around the stage. The crowd was tightly bunched around the stage, forming a mob of fans. It was evident that the positive behavior of the audience had a significant influence on the musicians' performance. I witnessed The Prince of Queens turn to a group of fans and start dancing with his bass, inviting them to vibe along with the music. The fan interactions throughout the night made us feel like we were a part of the band's musical family. The band members also delivered incredible solos that kept the audience captivated. Dilemastronauta's drumming was nothing short of exceptional, while Carolina Oliveros sang with tremendous energy and enthusiasm throughout the night.
My favorite song performed that night by Combo Chimbita was ‘La Perla’. The title of the song, ‘La Perla’, can be interpreted as a reference to a pearl, which is created when an oyster is able to turn a grain of sand into something beautiful. In this sense, the song is a metaphor for the transformative power of struggle and hardship. The tempo and time signature of the song both add to the overall mood and feel of the music, resulting in a dynamic and interesting listening experience, which is why I love this song. The music of ‘La Perla’ combines psychedelic rock elements with traditional Latin American rhythms. The Electric guitar, synthesizers, and the band's distinctive mix of percussion instruments—including the guacharaca played by lead vocalist Carolina Oliveros—are heard throughout the song. As a result, the song's mystical elements are well captured in its hypnotic and fascinating melody.
Reflecting on a Night of Unforgettable Performances
It was truly an honor watching Combo Chimbita and KAINA perform. After that night I became a big fan of theirs and even added some of my favorite songs from that night to my playlist. Both the band and the artist are amazing musicians that are able to express so many emotions through their lyrics and rhythms. We became one with the music that night. I highly recommend this band to anyone who is looking for new music and also looking to explore a different genre and style.
Here are the Spotify links for both KAINA and Combo Chimbita:
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