Photos by Andy Argyrakis

During the height of the new jack swing explosion in the early 1990s, Hi-Five consistently ruled the charts and video networks with a series of soulful harmonies, slick productions and cutting edge choreography as mere teenagers.

And while the steady stream of highs was undeniable, they were fraught with the depths of unimaginable drama, including an accident that resulted in one member’s paralysis, the eventual death of two founders and even a murder charge for another former collaborator.

But ever since springing back into the spotlight with a gripping TVOne episode of “Unsung” and releasing an EP that expanded into the “Legacy” album, a revived edition featuring a composite of originals and newer recruits picked right back up to honor a sizeable legacy.

In fact, when Marcus Sanders, Shannon Gill, Treston Irby, Billy Covington and Faruq Evans finally stopped by the crowded and chic City Winery, it became apparent just how many hits they had in both R&B and pop contexts.

There was also a serious sense of showmanship as the five guys marched out in robes, then revealed the first of a couple wardrobes throughout a nearly two-hour night, accompanied by an admirable three-piece band.

Together, the considerable cast danced around “I Just Can’t Handle It,” swayed to the ballad “Can’t Wait Another Minute” and got closer to the cell phone-waving crowd come “Quality Time.”

“She’s Playing Hard To Get” was another era-defining smash, though Hi-Five soon went back a bit further to salute several influential artists in a medley bookended by Bobby Brown’s “Rock Wit’cha” and New Edition’s “Can You Stand The Rain.”

The group’s own “Unconditional Love” was preceded by a dedication to the late Tony Thompson and Roderick “Pooh” Clark, while the bounce resumed for the massive “I Like The Way (The Kissing Game),” which of course topped Billboard’s entire Hot 100.

For an encore of “Never Should’ve Let You Go,” the guys passed out flowers to the ladies and CDs to the front few rows, more than giving the City Winery their money’s worth and letting those who may have been uncertain know they’re absolutely back.

For additional information on Hi-Five, visit Facebook.com/OfficialHiFive.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Acoustic Alchemy (Oct. 19); Candiace (Oct. 20); Chrisette Michele (Oct. 23-24); Jackie Evancho Sings Joni Mitchell (Oct. 25); I Am Athlete (Oct. 27); Bob Schneider (Oct. 28); Jon McLaughlin (Oct. 29); Shanice (Oct. 30); Just Fine: The Ultimate Mary J. Blige Tribute (Oct. 31); Karla Bonoff (Nov. 1); The Smithereens (Nov. 2); Mindy Smith (Nov. 3); Eddie Griffin (Nov. 4-5); Chris Smither & Tim O’Brien (Nov. 6); Peter Cottontale (Nov. 8); Devotchka (Nov. 9); Mason Jennings (Nov. 10); Rachael Yamagata (Nov. 11-12) and Fun Lovin’ Criminals (Nov. 13). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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