Photos by Andy Argyrakis

She may be Chicago’s very own, but Miki Howard is an internationally-recognized entertainer who consistently cruised the R&B charts throughout the 1980s and ‘90s, made the leap to movies for “Malcolm X” and “Poetic Justice,” then became the subject of her own TV One biopic “Love Under New Management.” Between growing up with a father from The Pilgrim Jubilees and a mother who was a member of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-crowned gospel group The Caravans, followed by her own career singing with Side Effect and eventually going solo, there was quite a foundation for not only that storyline, but also the headliner’s latest homecoming at a hospitable City Winery.

As for Howard’s repertoire during the 90-minute night (warmed-up by her daughter Kaitlen), it surely included the soulful radio reminders “Ain’t Nobody Like You,” “Baby, Be Mine,” “Come Share My Love” and “Love Under New Management” (accompanied by a walk around the entire showroom where she practically shook every hand).

In the crowded opener of a two-night stand (continuing Tuesday, April 9), Howard, a five-piece band and three background singers covered over three decades that went right up to her current “Live In Concert” collection. Though she regularly joked about the aches and pains of aging, the 58-year-old’s voice has aged like a fine wine and it was obvious why beyond individual recordings, she’s been a source for collaborations with Norman Brown, the late Gerald Levert and picking up where Whitney Houston left off alongside Jermaine Jackson.

As for Howard’s repertoire during the 90-minute night (warmed-up by her daughter Kaitlen), it surely included the soulful radio reminders “Ain’t Nobody Like You,” “Baby, Be Mine,” “Come Share My Love” and “Love Under New Management” (accompanied by a walk around the entire showroom where she practically shook every hand). In between, the known Billie Holiday appreciator showcased authoritative jazz phrasings on the likes of the “God Bless The Child” and “Good Morning Heartache,” which was preceded by her memories of personally knowing slain rapper Nipsey Hussle and pleading for the younger generation’s protection.

Given the weight of today’s world and all the struggles Howard alluded to that were fully explored in the film, her City Winery appearance was all the more uplifting and admirable. Thankfully there’s a second chance to catch the underrated but exceptional vocalist share a few slices from her fascinating life that’s finally getting another glow from the limelight.

Click here for more photos of Miki Howard at City Winery.

For additional information on Miki Howard, visit MikiHowardMedia.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Miki Howard (Apr. 9); Victory Boyd feat. Infinity’s Song (Apr. 10); Downtown Seder (Apr. 11); Martin Sexton (Apr. 12-13); Story Sessions Brunch (Apr. 14); Journeyman – A Tribute To Eric Clapton (Apr. 14); Glenn Jones (Apr. 15); Marc Broussard (Apr. 16-17); Graham Parker (Apr. 18); Carbon Leaf (Apr. 19); Brad Williams (Apr. 20); Dave Davies (Apr. 21); Maggie Speaks (Apr. 22); Liv Warfield (Apr. 23); Rhonda Ross & Rodney Kendrick (Apr. 24); Eric Roberson (Apr. 25-27); Chicago Philharmonic Sunday Brunch Series (Apr. 28); Kevin Eubanks Quartet (Apr. 28); BiG SUiT – Talking Heads Tribute (Apr. 29) and PJ Morton (Apr. 30). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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