Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.