🔗 Share this article

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.