Kelela, Res, keiyaA

Skillfully straddling the frequencies of R&B and electronic, Kelela has established herself as an artistic interpolator of music and futurism. Kelela’s kaleidoscopic, genre-wielding dance tracks and ballads—from her early days in underground R&B to the mainstream acclaim of her 2023 album, Raven—are technology-forward works paving new paths for Black women in electronic and dance music.

Res, born Shareese Renée Ballard, inspired a cultural shift for the identity of Black girls with her breakthrough 2001 debut album, How I Do. The album ambitiously integrated rock and soul, helping to define her as a unique and integral voice of the times. The Chicago Tribune’s Greg Kot applauds her “deep soul resonance that eludes many of her contemporaries.” The artist will perform a selection of songs from the now-classic album, including “Golden Boys,” co-written with Santigold, and the sultry, reggae-infused “700 Mile Situation.”

keiyaA’s highly respected artistry has been refined through her own spiritually guided creative journey. Her history as a vocalist in the Chicago Children’s Choir eventually led to adolescent years playing the alto-sax—an instrument that would drive her post-secondary education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Today, her authentic practice and approach emotes healing, spirituality, and community in musical form.