Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

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 performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Impressions

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 temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.