Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

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

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run 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 glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.

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04 Sep 2026

Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Overall Thoughts

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