🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B. Opening Performances: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success. Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.