Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale 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 glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.