This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
A professional gambler and strategy analyst with over a decade of experience in casino games, specializing in roulette techniques and probability theory.
Denise Alvarez
Denise Alvarez
Denise Alvarez
Denise Alvarez
Denise Alvarez
Denise Alvarez