Photos by Andy Argyrakis

In both her musical and personal life, singer/songwriter/actress/author Chanté Moore is a prime example of resilience and faith, constantly bouncing back and encouraging listeners to find their inner strength along the way.

So when the classy City Winery announced a pair of shows to revisit her gold-selling R&B beginnings through the current “Christmas Back To You,” it was only fitting for each to reach full capacity (though there’s a waiting list option for Tuesday, December 20).

In terms of the first engagement, the artist since the early 1990s, previous duet partner with former husband Kenny Lattimore and star of TV One’s “R&B Divas: Los Angeles” was unbelievably versatile throughout soulful originals, jazzy covers and gospel interludes, while she was as real as it gets in conversation with an enraptured audience.

Moore made her entrance to the funky flavors of Michael Jackson’s “Off The Wall,” backed by a four-piece band, and from the moment she opened her mouth, it was impossible not to “leave that nine to five upon the shelf and just enjoy yourself.”

Her own “Love’s Taken Over Me” and “Old School Lovin’” kept the smooth grooves flowing, while Prince earned a pair of tributes via “Kiss” and “I Feel For You,” followed by Anita Baker’s slowed down “Sweet Love” and Minnie Riperton’s “Lovin’ You.”

The holiday segment was introduced with some spiritual sentiments of the season, eventually winding its way towards a bluesy rendering of “Merry Christmas Baby” and the playful call-and-response of “Santa Don’t Sleigh.”

The headliner had everyone further marveling at her flawless vocals during an a cappella medley of “I’m What You Need,” “Candlelight & You” and “Bitter,” prior to effortlessly nailing the enormous range of the inspirational “It’s Alright.”

The nearly two-hour evening of performance and personality wrapped with the signature “Chanté’s Got a Man,” which found the newlywed offering a shout-out to her husband Stephen, plus simultaneously giving God all the glory for the gift of song and her blessings behind the scenes.

For additional information on Chanté Moore, visit ChanteMoore.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Chanté Moore (Dec. 20); Michael McDermott (Dec. 21-23); Avery*Sunshine (Dec. 26-27); Abbey Road: All-Star Tribute To The Beatles (Dec. 28); Charles Jenkins (Dec. 29); Terisa Griffin (Dec. 30); Raheem DeVaughn (Dec. 31-Jan. 1); Avery*Sunshine (Jan. 4-5); Funkadesi (Jan. 6); Pete Correale (Jan. 7); Davy Knowles (Jan. 8); Christopher Williams (Jan. 9); Jor’Dan Armstrong (Jan 11); Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene (Jan. 12-13); Maysa (Jan. 14); Midnight Sun (Jan. 15-16); Erthe St. James (Jan. 17); Eight Blackbird (Jan. 18); CeCe Peniston (Jan. 19); TC Carson (Jan. 20); Rahsaan Patterson (Jan. 21); Bubbles And Beauties Drag Brunch (Jan. 22); Songs Of Elton John: 1969-1975 (Jan. 22); Jon B (Jan. 23-24); Brian Courtney Wilson (Jan. 25); Damon Williams (Jan. 26); Kevin Nealon (Jan. 27-28); The Prince Experience (Jan. 29) and Miki Howard & Glenn Jones (Jan. 30-Jan. 31). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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