Rapper and activist Talib Kweli recently rounded up an eclectic group of friends to kick off his “Midsummer’s Night Dream” tour in grand style with an inspired performance at Chicago’s renowned venue The Shrine.
Unbeknownst to fans in attendance, actor, comedian, and Chicago native DeRay Davis was in the house to serve as guest host for the evening. Davis kept the crowd entertained throughout the night and even showed off his freestyle skills at one point. Then it was time for the main event. Sharing the stage with a collective of amazing artists including Steffanie Christi’an, K’Valentine, Amp Fiddler, and incomparable Detroit poet jessica Care moore, Kweli, backed by a live band, effortlessly breezed through his growing catalog of solo hits and fan favorites by both of his groups, Reflection Eternal and Blackstar.
According to moore, Chicago is a favorite city to perform for both her and Kweli.
“The energy in Chicago is just always so abundant,” she says. “I’m sure Talib feels the same way. Chicago just always shows so much love.”
Check out photos from the show in the gallery below.
