Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems 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 performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
