Photos provided by SoNo Recording Group

In the epicenter of the R&B and new jack swing explosion of the late 1980s into the ‘90s, After 7 rose to prominence thanks to a series of chart-topping singles, soundtrack placements as widespread as “The Five Heartbeats” and “Beverly Hills 90210,” plus seven NAACP Image Awards, in addition to Grammy and American Music Award nominations.

The original group was comprised of Melvin Edmonds, Kevon Edmonds and Keith Mitchell, though a younger Edmonds brother, who simply went by the name Babyface, may as well have been another member.

Along with Antonio “L.A.” Reid, the pair of super producers brought the Indianapolis natives to Virgin Records, and while After 7’s streak was unstoppable from that point forward, an eventual hiatus lasted more than 20-years and stretched well into the 2000s.

Though the reconvened group looks a little different these days following the sudden loss of original member Melvin in 2019, Danny ‘SkyHigh’ McClain rounded out the trio to share some “Unfinished Business,” to quote the name of their latest album, with multiple generations selling out a pair of performances at the stunning City Winery.

The swoons and screams started with the steamy opener, “Heat Of The Moment,” with spot on harmonies, flashy chorography and the boost of a three-piece band to pile on the rhythms and grooves throughout 75 super tight minutes.

After 7 kept alternating between the dance floor and bedroom, checking off one notable after the next, including “‘Til You Do Me Right,” Daryl Hall & John Oates’ “Sara Smile,” “Can’t Stop” and “Nights Like This.”

Tunes off the current collection, such as “Bittersweet,” “No Place Like You” and “Tomorrow Can Wait,” fit snuggly alongside the group’s gold and platinum beginnings and could easily find multiple points of connection in contemporary contexts.

Naturally, the signature “Ready Or Not” had the entire City Winery singing along at the very end, and as the guys waved goodbye before needing to quickly recharge for the late show, the full house rose to its feet in hopes they’ll permanently stay together.

For additional information on the After 7, visit After7Music.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include J. Holiday (Jul. 27); Emma-Jean Thackray (Jul. 28); We Are One X-Perience – Honoring Maze & Frankie Beverly (Jul. 29); Syleena Johnson (Jul. 30-31); Mike Phillips (Aug. 2); Steely Dane (Aug. 3); Howie Day (Aug. 4); Eric Neumann (Aug. 5); Great Moments In Vinyl: Woodstock (Aug. 7); Goran Ivanovic & Fareed Haque (Aug. 7); The Fabulous Thunderbirds (Aug. 8); Zo! and Tall Black Guy (Aug. 9); Raul Midon (Aug. 10) and Dave Hollister (Aug. 11-12). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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