Tori Kelly at The Carolina Theater in Durham NC
Monday night got a pick me up with Tori Kelly coming through Durham NC on her Hiding Place Tour. The incredibly talented singer-songwriter belted her songs to a nearly sold-out audience in the beautiful Carolina Theater in downtown Durham.
 
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By the time that I arrived at the venue, the seats of the historic theater were already filled in anticipation for the one and only act of the night. The curtain rose and revealed an impressive full band playing their instrumental intro that was met with a roar from the crowd. Kelly began singing off stage which got a rise out of the crowd, but the place really blew up once Kelly walked out onto the stage; her infectious smile lighting up the room.
Fresh off the release of her new album, Hiding Place, the set began with the intro song to the new album "Masterpiece", and she actually performed every song off of that new album; I am sure that was a real treat for everyone aching to sing along to those new songs live. One surprising part of the set is that arguably her most popular song, "Hollow", was performed second. That just goes to show that even though she's had that top 40 radio hit, she's got more to offer than just what is played on the radio, and those other songs seemed to be what everyone wanted to hear.
Throughout the entire set, no one sat in their seat, everyone was on their feet dancing and singing along with their hands in the air. Her voice is so flawless, it is hard to imagine that someone has that much talent in their voice! Honestly, singer-songwriter music can be a little bit lacking through recordings, but the emotion and power of the music can be felt through your soul when you hear the music live. You find out that these artists put all they have into their songs and invite everyone to see a glimpse into their lives at some of the darkest and happiest times of their lives.
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Tori Kelly at one point announced "this is a safe place," as she announced her beliefs and love for her God; "some may have different views from me, but I just really wanted to tell you that tonight is a safe place for everyone." The crowd roared in approval of her caring and accepting heart. After performing a few acoustic songs with her guitar to keep things close and intimate, she also revealed that she has partnered with a charity in hopes of helping children in need. Letting everyone know that by texting TORI to 38470, they can also make a donation to help spread love. She then performed a raw and powerful version of “Help Us To Love.”
It is amazing that this wonderful person and artist was discovered through YouTube and was told she wasn't good enough during her American Idol run. But even those that don't even make it to the top 24 have so much talent and so much to give. It could be said that Tori Kelly has had a more successful career than some winners of the talent TV show.
Remaining Hiding Place Tour dates:
10/25 Munhall, PA – Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead
10/27 Philadelphia, PA – Temple Performing Arts Center
10/28 Washington, DC – Warner Theatre
10/30 New York, NY – Riverside Church
11/1 Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre
11/2 Grand Rapids, MI – Fountain Street Church
11/5 Chicago, IL – Fourth Presbyterian Church
11/6 Chicago, IL – Fourth Presbyterian Church
11/8 Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
11/11 Dallas, TX – Majestic Theater
11/12 Austin, TX – Paramount Theatre
11/13 Houston, TX – Wortham Center Cullen Theater
11/16 Los Angeles, CA – The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian Church
11/17 Los Angeles, CA – The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian Church
11/19 San Francisco, CA – Herbst Theater
For more upcoming tour dates and tickets, head to Tori Kelly’s official website.
Stay up to date with Tori Kelly: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Setlist:
1. Masterpiece
2. Hollow
3. Sunday
4. Unbreakable Smile
5. Just as Sure
6. Nobody Love/ Expensive
7. Actress
8. All in My Head / Dear No One
9. Should’ve Been Us
10. Help Us to Love
11. Psalm 42
12. Questions / I'll Find You / Funny
13. Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing
ENCORE
14. Soul's Anthem (It Is Well)
15. Never Alone
