R&B Christmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert 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 technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.