Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Soulful singer/songwriter Eric Benét is no stranger to selling out various City Winery venues all across the country and Chicago’s classy location was no exception for a pair of shows on the same night.

Nevertheless, the four-time Grammy nominee, who was raised right up the road in Milwaukee, turned in a full 75-minute set for the early crowd, focused on his 1996 breakthrough, “True To Myself,” the gold-selling follow-up, “A Day In The Life,” up through today, all backed by a three-piece band.

However, Benét’s super silky vocals served as the primary vehicle to carry the R&B excellence of “Love Don’t Love Me,” “Sunshine,” “You’re The Only One” and “News For You” as the up close and personal performance got underway.

The headliner got an extra pop with the sensual “Chocolate Legs,” playfully introduced by a nod to its many flavors and colors, while “Femininity” tapped further into the romantic mood.

Benét also busted out a bit of The Isley Brothers’ funky “Footsteps In The Dark” after the playful prodding of the supporting players, plus told a moving tale of meeting the late legend Bill Withers, who soon earned a musical shout-out in the form of the cheerful “Lovely Day.”

He spoke fondly of working with duet partner Tamia prior to a solo rendition of the chart-topping “Spend My Live With You,” though the audience was more than happy to lend a harmonious hand during the choruses.

The gentle and vulnerable ballad, “Sometimes I Cry,” allowed him to flawlessly soar to even more unbelievable heights, earning a rousing response that ultimately led to an encore.

Upon his return, Benét busted out another cover via Toto’s jazzy “Georgy Porgy,” prompting a bit of a dance party all around the City Winery and a bonus chance to let a stunning voice shine.

For additional information on Eric Benét, visit EricBenet.net.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Shannon Fiedler (Mar. 3); Crash Test Dummies (Mar. 4); Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts (Mar. 5); John “Papa” Gros (Mar. 6); Steam Irish Quartet & Gleeson Trio (Mar. 7); Aida Rodriguez (Mar. 8); Ruthie Foster (Mar. 9); Elle Varner (Mar. 10); Sam Bush (Mar. 11); Nemr (Mar. 12); Vanessa Carlton (Mar. 14-15); Rumor Has It – Adele Tribute (Mar. 16); Zach Heckendorf (Mar. 17); Obisoulstar (Mar. 18); Gilbert O’Sullivan (Mar. 19); Nicholas Tremulis & The Prodigals (Mar. 20); Oz Noy & Ozone Squeeze (Mar. 21); Peter Mulvey & Sistastrings (Mar. 22); EXTC (Mar. 23); Krasno/Moore Project (Mar. 24); The Verve Pipe (Mar. 25); Chris Fairbanks (Mar. 26); Ilysm (Mar. 27); J. Ivy (Mar. 28); Aniba & The Sol Starz (Mar. 29); Boy and Review (Mar. 30) and Pure Prairie League (Mar. 31). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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