Ashnikko at Uptown Theater, Kansas City MO (2026-03-30)

Beyond any ordinary concert, this was a candy-colored, hyperpop, deep bass, fever dream…

…and the long sold-out crowd loved every much-anticipated second of it!

Ashnikko (aka Ashton Nicole Casey) brought their buzzing 2026 “Smoochies Tour” to a midtown stop at the Uptown Theater in Kansas City, in support of the second studio album, Smoochies, (released last October via Parlophone/Warner).

The genre-bending, immersive “agit-pop” show is a next step in their musical evolution after initially rising to international attention with the 2019 viral hit “Stupid. The KC stop is part of a 47-date global trek which will lead to the tour wrapping up in Toronto on May 19.

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The evening got started with a short set from opener Princess Nokia, the stage name of Destiny Frasqueri, a NY-born Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, actress (film roles include last year’s Highest 2 Lowest), and activist. In 2023, Nokia released the EP I Love You but this is Goodbye and the most recent full-length was GIRLS, also released last October, via Artist House.

Nokia, flanked by two musical cohorts, dropped even heavier bass and the rapper spent ample time out front along the barricade, singing just inches away from the restless crowd which was eager to dance and move.

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Following a set change that transformed the stage in a boutique punk cabaret and surreal neon pastel backdrop (with a layered pink tunnel at the back), the crowd collectively shrieked with glee as Ashnikko and two dancers appeared, set to the opening beats of “Sticky Fingers,” from the new record.

The artist encourages the fans, aka “Demidevils” to positively express themselves with their true fashion and individuality. Those dressed in glitter, latex, DIY punk outfits, and fantastical accessories, proved to be more interesting people-watching than almost any other show and helped to turn the theater into a participatory extension of the performance itself.

Ashnikko and two dancers arrived also decked out in shredded fabrics, bold makeup, and glamorous avant-garde styling, pairing the provocative stage visuals with some playful sexuality and subversive humor.

The setlist leaned most on the latest record, though strategically placed older songs from previous releases, DEMIDEVIL and Weedkiller made sure older favorites weren’t forgotten. The set flowed with a conceptual running narrative in the form of mini-skit interludes and honest comments peppered between songs, to help keep the show cohesive.

It was those small connective moments between artist and fans that bound each to the other and contributed to the synergy and immersion of the show, with Ashnikko not afraid to stop to notice something seen in the crowd or open up with a relatable story or reflection of feelings.

A story of listening to M.I.A. and Ying Yang Twins at age 12, may have revealed two of their earliest musical influences and the “trinket swap” found fans bringing small objects (including human and animal teeth in other cities) to give to Ashnikko during the performance. This seemingly simple act created a tangible connection, to transform the concert into a shared experience, rather than a one-sided spectacle.

The dance moves seemed Tik Tok-ready, effortlessly posed, and emulated by most in the audience in the small space they were able to dance along to, following along with every motion and movement.

There was a balance between a dream-state chaotic sequence of moments and a smoother flowing controlled version of the live experience, and Ashnikko has seemed to manage more the latter, that resulted in a noticeable musical evolution and realization of the vision intended of Smoochie World, that is both intimate and explosive.

There was also an informal fan contest to decide the “Best Smooch in Town” that brought the winner on stage, and Princess Nokia briefly came back out during “Slumber Party”, to help set those final songs out, with an extra punch.

The Smoochies Tour solidifies Ashnikko’s status as one of the most compelling live performers in contemporary pop—an evolving artist who doesn’t just put on a show but creates an entire welcoming world for the audience to step into.

PRINCESS NOKIA​

National / International act coming through the Midwest / Kansas City area? Please email details to johnc@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time to be considered for Show Preview and Show Coverage consideration.