Philadelphia’s City Winery recently delivered an unforgettable night of music, headlined by Grammy Award-winning artist Chrisette Michele. Known for her soulful voice and magnetic stage presence, Michele captivated the audience with a performance that showcased her artistry and versatility.
The evening opened with a stirring set by Clinton Babers II, whose talent shone as he performed a mix of classic hits and original songs. Babers began with renditions of “Before I Let Go,” “Where Do We Go From Here,” and “Can You Stand the Rain.” His guitar skills were highlighted in his original track “Pain” and covers of Maxwell’s “Whenever Wherever Whatever” and Rick James’s “Mary Jane.”
Babers closed his set with a heartfelt performance of “Thanks for Being a Friend,” leaving the audience energized and ready for the main act.
Next to grace the stage was Chrisette Michele, a powerhouse vocalist with over a decade of hits exploring themes of love, empowerment, and relationships. Michele’s career has been marked by her ability to blend seamlessly across genres, collaborating with hip-hop and rap icons like Jay-Z, Nas, The Game, and Ghostface Killah.
Her journey to stardom began with the release of her debut album, I Am, in 2007 under Def Jam Recordings. Michele’s unique voice caught the attention of music executive L.A. Reid, propelling her to work with legendary producers such as Babyface, Will.i.am, and John Legend. Her breakout success came in 2009 with her sophomore album, Epiphany, which topped the Billboard 200 and US R&B/Hip-Hop charts.
Michele’s unforgettable feature on Rick Ross and Drake’s hit “Aston Martin Music” further cemented her place in the music industry.
Over the years, Michele has consistently pushed creative boundaries. Her third album, Let Freedom Reign, and her mixtapes, Love Thy Brother and Audrey Hepburn: An Audiovisual Presentation, demonstrated her artistic growth. She also ventured into acting with roles on TV shows like Girlfriends and VH1’s R&B Divas LA.
In 2014, her fourth album, Better, earned her a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album. Michele later embraced independence by launching her own label, Rich Hipster, and releasing projects like Milestone and Out of Control.
Dressed in blue denims, Michele delivered a mesmerizing performance at City Winery. Her setlist was a perfect blend of timeless classics and fresh material. Highlights included fan favorites like “Super Chris,” “Epiphany,” and “If I Have My Way,” alongside newer tracks such as “Wait,” “Best of Me,” and “Your Joy.”
Michele’s powerhouse vocals and heartfelt delivery resonated deeply with the audience, who were entranced from start to finish.
The evening concluded with stirring performances of “Summer Time,” “Porcelain Doll,” and “Blame It On Me.” Michele’s artistry and stage presence left the crowd yearning for more, a testament to her enduring impact on the music world.
For more on Chrisette Michele’s journey and upcoming tour dates, visit chrisettemichelesworld.com. Michele’s performance at City Winery was a powerful reminder of her talent and legacy, as she continues to inspire fans with her soulful R&B and empowering messages.
