Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly 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-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded 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 evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.