🔗 Share this article

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.