Photo by RickExpress
Nominated for New Artist of the Year and R&B Artist of the Year for the Boston Music Awards, ToriTori is making her name and sound known. She released her debut EP Pocket Knife earlier this year, which has also been nominated for EP of the year. Most recently, she went on tour for her single, “Places” and played BAMS Fest; all that to say, ToriTori has been doing A LOT in the music scene.
I’ve seen ToriTori perform twice, and both times have been a different experience — she loves doing a live looping production as well as performing with a band. That’s exactly (well, sorta) what you’re going to get at her show “ToriTori x The Pearl Handles” on November 9th at Warehouse XI in Union Square!
This show is no ordinary music show; ToriTori is curating a special live experience for her song “Sundown” from Pocket Knife. The reason she chose to do something unique for this song is because it’s one of her favorites on the EP, expressing a sense of urgency and struggle particularly to the themes of identity, race, and the challenges associated with it. “Sundown feels like a continuous lyric from the first line; perhaps because it was written more in the form of a prayer than in the style of a traditional song,” Tori reflected.
When I asked ToriTori how she would classify her sound, she adamantly responded with “I hate this question, but it’s an ever-evolving fusion of the music and genres that I was introduced to as a kid by my parents: Earth, Wind, & Fire; Chaka Khan; and everything I’ve absorbed throughout the development of my musical career along the way from Fleetwood Mac, Erykah Badu, and Thundercat.”
When planning for this show, ToriTori was very intentional about the people involved and the space itself. Warehouse XI is women-owned, by Peggy — a friendly face in the Union Square area — and there will be custom sets built by Leah, the owner of the Canopy Room (RIP) and lover of vintage everything. The gorgeous posters have been designed by Meredith Wish, known for her fun and entertaining Trivia Hosting (on skates!) every Monday night at Remnant in Bow Market. The whole night is women-based and curated, down to the DJ set by DJ WhySham and the opening acts by Aura and Zed Kenzo. “These artists are local New England artists, and I want to shine a light on their talent and artistry.”
“I’m always aspiring to create something new and fresh with the goal of making music that might transcend time and boundaries. For this show, I’m trying to bring forward a collective sound, showcasing a mix of a live band and live looping. Everything from the venue to the set design and live musical arrangements were developed to offer a one-of-a-kind musical experience.”
In addition to the amazing artists, there will also be Black-owned vendors and businesses, including Rhythm ‘n Wraps and Wade BBQ. She will also have a limited-edition and unique hand-painted pieces that are scenes from her single “Daily.” There are also a lot of people who have helped out with the show and made it possible, including her 10-piece band (yes, 10) and some other amazing people: Ben, JD, Drew, and Greg, so a huge shout out to them. ToriTori wants to give back to the community so has organized a food drive for the Boston Food Bank. In fact, if you bring your non-perishables to the show, you will get a discount on your ticket!
If you’re wondering why the title of the show is “ToriTori x The Pearl Handles,” she said you have to come to the show to find out…so you know where I’ll be on November 9th! The message Tori wants to leave you with is “I want to show appreciation to the city that has shown me so much love, and just celebrate with Boston.” Get your tickets for her show on November 9th and get ready to enjoy a special, curated, experience.