The lights went down and excited chatter spread thoughout Eisenhower Auditorium last night as the crowd anxiously awaited After 7, followed by Regina Belle, to take the stage.

The crowd was small -- only about 650 -- but its enthusiasm for this University Concert Committee event seemed to make up for the size.

The trio After 7 got things moving with their opening dance number "In the Heat of the Moment." Slowing things down, but keeping it hot they dedicated "Ready or Not" to the women. Then it was back to dancing in the aisles with "Can't Stop (How I Feel)."

The sparkling-purple clad artists tried to turn up the temperature with "sensual" choreography involving the rubbing and massaging of chairs. It was one of those things you either loved or laughed at.

After a short intermission, it was time for the real show to begin. Rhythm and blues singer Regina Belle wowed the audience all with the title song from her new album Passion.

I went to this concert thinking I would see just another singer, but I came out knowing I had just experienced one of the most powerful R&B singers in recent years.

I found myself enthralled while I listened to her jazz tribute to Billie Holiday in honor of Black History Month and captivated with her sampling of blues music. I was amazed by how strongly she could belt out a song

I also have to complement Belle for sharing the spotlight. She wanted the audience to know just how much help she was getting from her backup singers, so while she changed costumes back stage, each performer had their chance to go solo.

But the highlight of the evening for me and the large number of children in the audience was "A Whole New World (Aladdin's Theme)." The abundance of emotion with which she sang sent chills down my spine. It was definitely worth hearing. Even a compact disc cannot capture all the power coming from the stage.