The Salt Shed in Chicago hosted a memorable night of music on October 18, featuring Jobi Riccio and Hurray for the Riff Raff as opening acts for Lucius. Each artist delivered a powerful performance, leaving the audience with a sense of hope and community.

Jobi Riccio kicked off the night with an acoustic set, performing songs from her debut album, Whiplash, which was released in 2023. One song in particular captivated the audience and drew them in when she performed: her new single, “Wildfire Season.” Jobi was inspired to write this song because her hometown was affected by the recent wildfires, highlighting the impact of climate change and the harm we cause to nature. I highly recommend giving this song a listen; it’s incredibly powerful. When watching them perform the song, you felt the grit and soul in every lyric she sung, making each word resonate deeply.

The next act was an incredible surprise: Hurray for the Riff Raff. I wasn’t familiar with the band, and I clearly had been missing out. Their performance blew me away! They showcased songs from their album The Past Is Still Alive. Their unique fusion of Americana, folk-rock, and indie rock is something I hadn’t experienced before, and they executed it seamlessly in their songs. One song, in particular, left me in awe—my mouth was open the entire time. The song “Pa’lante” pays tribute to ancestors and those who have endured hardship, and it carries significant cultural meaning with deep roots in Puerto Rican history.

As the night built up to Lucius taking the stage, you could sense the audience’s anticipation. Their stage setup felt like a blend of western desert and cozy living room vibes. When they finally took the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers, quickly falling silent as the first song, “Final Days,” began. They seamlessly transitioned into their next two songs, “Gold Rush” and “Hallways.” Throughout the performance, the audience was fully engaged with Lucius, and I kept glancing around at everyone. The atmosphere they created that night was beautiful; people were dancing and singing, completely free and momentarily forgetting about the world’s problems. Lucius concluded their set with a cover of “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M. That song struck a chord with everyone in the room, making it a powerful way to end their show.

That night was perfect — to have a bill of artists, all of who are so equally talented and inspiring with their words; it’s so needed nowadays, more than ever.

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