🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Feelings Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame. However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. 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 shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band. Their set included covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.