Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power 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.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began 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 performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas 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.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
