Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Coming out of Chicago in the early 1990s, Public Announcement was subject to what some would call the prior blessing and others might consider the current curse of being started by R. Kelly.

However, after the singer/songwriter/producer believed and ultimately proved he could fly solo, a rebooted version of the group established its own respected reputation throughout R&B and otherwise that continues through this very day, including a rare homecoming for the crowded and chic City Winery.

Led by Feloney Davis from the first post-Kelly incarnation, who brought in current members Glen “Mac” Oneil, Alvin “Ace” Watkins and Marlon Kanndler, Public Announcement poured through all the key aspects of its platinum past, backed by an always on point four-piece band.

The guys opened on the newer and instantly contagious note of “Fireworks,” then gradually rewound the clock towards “It’s About Time,” “Man Ain’t Supposed To Cry,” “John Doe” and “Turn The Hands” with equal emphasis on layered harmonies and smooth steps throughout 90 minutes.

In fact, they dialed it all the way back to the act’s roots, replicating chart-toppers “Honey Love” and “Slow Dance (Hey Mr. DJ),” plus “Dedicated,” only acknowledging their now incarcerated founder in a historical musical context and making no specific mention of the surrounding situation.

Davis and company brought even more authenticity to the tracks they originated, pulling primarily from the major label albums “All Work, No Play” and “Don’t Hold Back,” proving Public Announcement remains a viable act, despite the personnel changes.

That point was proven to the greatest degrees come “Body Bumpin’ (Yippie-Yi-Yo),” along with its companion, “Y To The Yippie (Step On),” which for the record, helped ignite the Windy City dance craze long before Kelly’s “Step In The Name Of Love.”

Given Public Announcement’s local roots, hopefully there will be another chance to catch a show at City Winery or elsewhere, but either way, the latest line-up is once again worth the world at large taking notice.

For additional information on Public Announcement, visit Facebook.com/TheOfficialPA.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Maui The Poet (Apr. 11); Michael Glabicki (Apr. 12); Morgan James (Apr. 13); Marcia Ball & Tinsley Ellis (Apr. 14); Brunch & Beats (Apr. 15); Sonja Morgan (Apr. 15); Beatles Brunch (Apr. 16); Marquis Hill (Apr. 16); A Tribute To A Tribe Called Quest (Apr. 17); Mames Babegenush (Apr. 18); The Talbott Brothers (Apr. 19); Lyrics Born (Apr. 20); Bubble & Beauties Drag Brunch (Apr. 23); Ann Hampton Callaway (Apr. 23); Evan Dando (Apr. 24); Gene Noble (Apr. 25); Griffin House (Apr. 28); Melanie Fiona (Apr. 29) and Ms. Anita Wilson (Apr. 30). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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