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

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems 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 feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.