R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

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

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, including 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

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

Final Impressions

Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.