J Balvin brought his North American tour to the Fiserv Forum Oct. 11. This was my first experience seeing the hitmaker live although I have been aware of him for sometime now. Best known for his top-10 songs “Mi Gente” and “I Like It”, he certainly brought the spectacle of those songs and much more.
I still can’t wrap my head around the dinosaur theme that was prevalent for most of the show. It was interesting to say the least, but also led to some fun stage work.
Sadly, not even the large hispanic community of Milwaukee could sell out the arena. Those who were in attendance, however, had the times of their lives dancing and jamming to hit after hit.
Almost every song got the crowd jumping from the opener “Machika” to the closer “Mi Gente”. Aside from the dancing, this was the first time I’ve ever seen an entire crowd stay standing for an entire show even during the breaks.
My favorite moments from the show have to be a six song stretch in the middle. Among the highlights here were the rattling of back to back jams “No Es Justo”, “Otra Vez”, “Si Tu Novio Te Deja Sola”, and “Sensualidad”. One of J Balvin’s lucky fans, a middle aged woman, twerked all over Balvin to his surprise and the crowds amusement, marking the definite highlight of the night.
There were a few songs which I didn’t know which I would’ve preferred taken off the set for my personal favorites “6 A.M.” and “Sigo Extrañándote” instead. They were missing from the setlist even though they are big hits for Balvin.
The only true downside this concert had was the obvious lack of features as most reggaeton singers have many guests on their songs. Maybe it’s because I’m from Miami, the city that spoils me with many artists collaborating live, but it felt like a sore thumb in an otherwise fun show. I do plan on seeing him again hopefully with the whole gang next time around.