🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts. The Powerful Set The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted 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 never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band. Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Cheer Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.