Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Chicago always counted Dave Hollister as one of its very own, though the rest of the world probably also knows his husky R&B voice from numerous collaborative or solo projects as the 1980s transitioned towards the ‘90s.

For starters, he initially gained exposure singing lead on Blakk Society’s “Just Another Lonely Day,” soon appeared on the “Boyz N The Hood” soundtrack as a member of Force One Network, turned up on a couple 2Pac tunes and eventually joined Blackstreet just in time for its self-titled debut album to move more than a million copies.

From there, Hollister struck gold on his own with “Ghetto Hymns” and “Chicago ‘85… The Movie,” paving the way for a prolific recording, songwriting and producing streak well into the 2000s.

When he came home to the cozy and classy City Winery, it quickly resulted in three sold out shows, the first of which featured many key cuts from a varied catalogue, joined by four fab musicians and three supporting singers.

“Geometry,” “Keep On Lovin’” and “I’m Waiting” came from his own richly illustrated songbook, demonstrating both the “Real Talk” and romance of a genre mainstay, while a funk medley filled with Sly & The Family Stone’s “Everyday People,” Parliament’s “Swing Down, Sweet Chariot,” The Time’s “The Bird” and “Pass The Peas” by The J.B.’s pumped up the party.

Backed by the full blessing of groupmate/super producer Teddy Riley, Hollister put a personal stamp on Blackstreet and Dr. Dre’s gigantic “No Diggity” and even took City Winery to church, much like he did alongside Fred Hammond, Eric Roberson and Brian Courtney Wilson in the supergroup United Tenors, thanks VaShawn Mitchell’s “Turning Around For Me” and DeWayne Woods’ “Let Go.”

The local legend seamlessly returned to the secular, including “Girl I Gotta Go” and the group’s “Before I Let You Go” with such abundant soulfulness and truthfulness, it’s no wonder why there wasn’t a ticket to be had thus far and is obviously worth trying for the waiting list that remains.

For additional information on Dave Hollister, visit DaveHollisterLive.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Dave Hollister (May 5); Kamasi Washington (May 6-7); Story Sessions (May 7); Gavin Creel (May 8); Eric Roberson (May 9); Sophie B. Hawkins (May 10); “Late Night With Ler & Lionel” (May 11); Kev Herrera (May 12); Brunch & Beats (May 14); Hoodoo Gurus (May 14); Tweet (May 15); Lynne Jordan & The Shivers (May 16); David Davis (May 17); Beatles Brunch (May 20); Tone Loc and C+C Music Factory (May 20); Bubbles & Beauties Drag Brunch (May 21); The Carole King & James Taylor Story (May 22); Louis Prima Jr. And The Witnesses (May 23); Al Stewart (May 24); Tweet (May 25); Peter Collins (May 26); J. Howell (May 28); Valerie June (May 29); Pascuala Ilabaca & Fauna (May 30) and K’Jon (May 31). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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