Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
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 hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
