Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.