Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak 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 solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
