Photos by Andy Argyrakis

She doesn’t come to Chicago all that often, but wherever Grammy Award-winner Regina Belle does stop by for a soulful serenade, it’s a major happening, which in latest instance, resulted in two sold out shows at the charming City Winery.

As far as the earlier engagement went, the R&B mega star, who’s also garnered considerable praises in jazz and gospel, was not only in exceptional vocal form, but emoted endless inspiration as she delivered several genre staples.

Belle didn’t need any warming up and just got straight to slaying everything, from her inaugural single, “Show Me The Way,” to a medley of love ballads that began with a mention of her mentor, the ultimate song stylist Nancy Wilson, and culminated with the massive “Make It Like It Was.”

From there, she took a page out of “The Color Purple” for a stunning rendition of Táta Vega’s “Miss Celie’s Blues” and also turned to her church beginnings for “God Is Good,” which packed even more meaning on the eve of Easter.

The only moments missing, likely as a result of having no male duet partners present, were her global smash “A Whole New World,” the bedrock of Disney’s “Aladdin” with Peabo Bryson, and “All I Want Is Forever,” originally with Kool & The Gang’s James “J.T.” Taylor, though that didn’t mean the evening was void of collaborations.

In addition to vamping with her nimble, four-piece band, Belle brought out Kyla Jade from “The Voice,” (also an immensely gifted opener in her own right), to swap tributes of their mutual “musical angels,” such as The Emotions, The Manhattans and Aretha Franklin.

The headliner wrapped with her own chart-topper, “Baby Come To Me,” easily landing in similarly classic company and likely sending at least a few dedicated fans scrambling to sign up for the waiting list see it all over again.

For additional information on Regina Belle, visit IAmReginaBelle.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October (Apr. 17-18); Jonatha Brooke (Apr. 19); The Quebe Sisters (Apr. 20); The Claudettes (Apr. 21); Melanie Fiona (Apr. 22); Ari Hest (Apr. 24); Candlebox (Apr. 25-26); Ides Of March (Apr. 27); Alan Doyle (Apr. 28-29); Midnight Sun (May 1); CeCe Peniston (May 2); Sweet Water Warblers (May 3); Eilen Jewell (May 5) and Asleep At The Wheel (May 8). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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