Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared 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 not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of influences, including 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 evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits 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 hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.