One of the smoothest voices in soul, Frankie Beverly comes to the Arie Crown, and he’s bringing great backup. There’s his band, Maze, of course, but also co-headlining will be former member of Deele (remember them?), brother of Kevon, producer, and — foremost — singer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, who also has a repertoire of classic love songs. Beverly and Maze’s catalog of music over nearly four decades has not gotten much mainstream attention, but his work is highly revered. A new tribute album features Mary J. Blige, Musiq Soulchild, Kem, Avant, the Clark Sisters and others paying their respects with rousing renditions of Beverly’s songs. 8 p.m. Friday at Arie Crown Theater, McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive; $47.50-$107.50; 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
