Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

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

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 heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.