The Marías (w/ Evann McIntosh, Ogi) Mesmerize Chicago’s The Vic Theatre [Photos]

Los Angeles band The Marías brought their “CINEMA” tour to Chicago, IL on February 25th at The Vic Theatre with supporting acts Evann McIntosh and Ogi.

Rising soul singer-songwriter Ogi started the show with a bang and a command of the stage. Ogi is Los Angeles-based but was born outside of Chicago to Nigerian-born parents, where she studied at Northwestern University. Ogi recently debuted her first single “I Got It” earlier this month. Although her set was short, her talent was apparent, and the crowd didn’t want her set to end.

17-year-old singer-songwriter Evann McIntosh continued the show with their take on funky pop and R&B. They played a mix of tunes from their first album MOJO, which had quickly gained them a loyal fanbase, and it was apparent that they had many fans at the show. Tunes including “Coco Pebbles” and “Guns In America” from Evann’s recent release, Character Development, were also played, much to their fans’ delight.

The Marías set for this tour is reminiscent of a cinema in the golden age of film, as a giant doorway and grand staircase loom over the stage. CINEMA is the first full-length album by The Marías, and from start to finish gives the feeling that the listener is watching a movie, with the ups and downs and different vibes it can produce.

Consisting of Puerto Rican lead singer María Zardoya and drummer/backing vocalist Josh Conway, The Marías originally began as a duo writing music for film before venturing into the performance world. For their tour, they brought along friends Jesse Perlman on guitar, and Edward James on keyboards.

The band immediately transported us into their cinematic world as they opened with “Just a Feeling” and “Calling U Back,” showcasing their effortless blend of Latin pop and psychedelic rock.

María’s voice continued us on this journey, as she effortlessly intertwined Spanish and English into The Maria’s songs including “Un Millón” and “Basta ya” before closing the show with their radio hit “Hush” and fan-favorite “Cariño.”

Remaining “CINEMA” Tour Dates:

02/27 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
03/01 – Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
03/02 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
03/04 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre
03/05 – Vancouver, BC, Canada @ Rickshaw Theatre
03/06 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
03/08 – Eugene, OR @ Sessions Music Hall
03/09 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
03/11 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
03/12 – Los Angeles, CA @ NOVO
03/13 – Los Angeles, CA @ NOVO

The Marías’ Setlist:

1. Just a Feeling
2. Calling U Back
3. Un Millón
4. Little by Little
5. Only in My Dreams
6. Hable con ella
7. Care for You
8. Ruthless
9. Clueless
10. Heavy
11. Over the Moon
12. …Baby One More Time (Britney Spears cover)
13. Basta ya
14. Déjate llevar
15. I Don’t Know You
16. Spin Me Around
17. All I Really Want Is You
Encore:
18. Hush
19. Cariño