R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, 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 responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.