Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.