Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Hot on the heels of the holidays, the always active and inviting City Winery wasted no time settling right back into the groove with a sold out show from Kindred The Family Soul, followed closely behind by a near-capacity late night encore.

As far as the latter was concerned, the married duo comprised of Aja Graydon and Fatin Dantzler provided plenty of inspiration that would’ve been applicable at any point, but was even more ideal of a choice to start the New Year with another double header to come on Wednesday, January 3.

The Philadelphia natives are of course no strangers to balancing their personal relationship and shared notoriety after initially meeting at The Roots’ production camp, then getting noticed at the local Black Lily Showcase by none other than neo-soul superstar Jill Scott out of a burgeoning scene featuring fellow future stars Jazmine Sullivan, Floetry, Jaguar Wright and Musiq Soulchild.

Fast forward to now, and the pair have seven acclaimed albums to their credit and six children, all of whom starred in one of the most viewed Walmart commercials ever and continue to be as close knit as they come.

In fact, themes of family and fortitude were in ample supply as Kindred traced its lineage from a trio of Hidden Beach Recordings throughout the 2000s to its latest “Auntie And Unc” project.

Alongside a four-piece band and two background singers, the group was chemistry personified throughout “Surrender To Love,” “Far Away,” “Magic Happens” and many additional R&B radio regulars that were contemporary yet ageless.

Their love for one another was regularly apparent throughout “Welcome To My World,” “Where Would I Be (The Question)” and a hearty catalogue medley, while “Sticking With You” was specifically centered around their steadfast commitment.

As the uplifting 90-minutes came to a close, “All My People” eloquently spoke of unity across a broader community, “Women First” addressed the many sacrifices ladies in particular make for their families, plus “Stars” served as a final pledge in front of the entire City Winery to stand together as Kindred The Family Soul both on and off the stage.

For additional information on Kindred The Family Soul, visit KindredTheFamilySoul.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Kindred The Family Soul (Jan. 3); Boy Band Review (Jan. 4); The Docksiders (Jan. 5); Pete Correale (Jan. 6); Wayne Baker Brooks (Jan. 7); Jonathan Coulton (Jan. 9); Anthony David (Jan. 10); Scott Thompson (Jan. 11); Dave Hollister (Jan. 12); Maysa (Jan. 13); Midnight Sun (Jan. 14-15); Damon Williams (Jan. 17); The Grateful String Band (Jan. 18); Peach Jam: A Tribute To The Allman Brothers Band (Jan. 19); The Voices (Jan. 20); Jacques Ze Whipper (Jan. 22); Creed Bratton (Jan. 23); Saneit (Jan. 24); Vinyasa & Vino (Jan. 25); Jahari Stampley (Jan. 25); Stephen Kellogg (Jan. 27); Adam Conover (Jan. 28); Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest (Jan. 29); City Of Laughs (Jan. 30) and Denise Thimes: The Best Of Nina Simone & Phyllis Hyman (Jan. 31). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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