R&B Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful 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 experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.