R&B Christmas Concert Review: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

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 solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.