🔗 Share this article

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

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

Then, deep into her performance, 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 gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.