Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep 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 profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo 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 turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.