R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

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