🔗 Share this article

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era 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 on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.