R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show 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 hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.