Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.