🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame. However, 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 gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Spirit Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas 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. Final Impressions While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.