Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded 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 evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
