Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful 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 production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
