🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B. Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era 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 live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Cheer Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.