Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Out of the oversaturated boy band craze in the late 1990s and early 2000s, only one could give the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC a serious run for the screaming girls and that was 98 Degrees. Though members’ collective resume spanned solo projects, reality television, stripping, dancing and politics ever since, it’s their harmonies and friendships that keeps periodic reunions a priority.

Based on the roar to the encore, “The Hardest Thing” was having to say goodbye, but not before 98 Degrees bid adieu with “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” accented by a dusting of snow as it fulfilled an earlier promise to make sure those gathered left with the season’s spirit burning bright.

Nowadays the demand to see Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons and Justin Jeffre isn’t quite like it was when they were storming the request lines of MTV’s “Total Request Live,” but together as 98 Degrees, they keep on attracting sizeable numbers at gorgeous venues such as Joliet’s crown jewel the Rialto Square Theatre. And not only did the foursome bring a string of hit records that sold over ten million copies for Motown, but they also released the covers and originals collection “Let It Snow” as the much-belated follow-up to 1999’s “This Christmas.”

Throughout a two-hour show divided by two acts, the guys weaved around each of those categories, beginning on the wintery notes “Season Of Love” and “Christmas Wish,” while keeping close tabs on their heyday with “Because Of You” and “I Do (Cherish You),” the latter of which was even followed by a marriage proposal! In either format, 98 Degrees sounded as close to the mark as anyone would’ve cared and kept right on moving in synchronized steps that switched from intentionally corny to cool depending on the tune.

Another lucky lady got the chance to join the fellas on stage for “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” though everyone earned a collective serenade come “Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche),” which was paired with a fun run through “Feliz Navidad.” Based on the roar to the encore, “The Hardest Thing” was having to say goodbye, but not before 98 Degrees bid adieu with “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” accented by a dusting of snow as it fulfilled an earlier promise to make sure those gathered left with the season’s spirit burning bright.

Click here for more photos of 98 Degrees at the Rialto Square Theatre.

For additional information on 98 Degrees, visit 98Degrees.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Rialto Square Theatre include Wynonna & The Big Noise (Jan. 25); Postmodern Jukebox (Feb. 10); Styx (Feb. 12); Tiffany Jenkins (Feb. 22); Bill Engvall (Mar. 1); Hairball (Mar. 2); Disney Junior Dance Party! On Tour (Mar. 6); Aaron Lewis (Mar. 27); Tusk: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show (Apr. 4) and “The Sound Of Music” Live On Stage (May 22). For additional details, visit RialtoSquare.com.

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