R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.