The Bowery Ballroom in New York, NY — April 5, 2024

Following the biggest earthquake to hit the city since 1884, Bay area native Christian Kuria shook up New York City with a sold out show at the Bowery Ballroom. His silky smooth voice and cool, Kuria’s stage presence entranced the audience throughout the whole night. With no opener, it was Kuria’s stage for the taking. Every individual in the room gleefully danced and sang along to fan-favorites such as “Toroka,” “Deep Green,” and “Santorini.” Kuria showed off both his songwriting and guitar playing chops with a plethora of new, unreleased music that fans held onto as a promise-to-come. He successfully emulated the smooth, soulful sounds of the recordings in his live performance. However, Kuria brought new life to his songs through rock-influenced guitar solos and 80s style synths and bells reminiscent of the sonics on Prince’s Purple Rain album. When the set had finished, the crowd roared for an encore. Letting the band rest after a show well played, Kuria came back out on stage for a few more solo songs. He finished the night with an unreleased song from his 2022 EP Suspension of Disbelief and a medley of a few tunes, like “Too Good,” from his 2020 album, Borderline. With a few more dates left of this tour as he heads back west, Christian Kuria is an artist you don’t want to miss.

Words & Photography: Jordanne Hamilton