Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

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

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.