🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B. Opening Performances: Classic Feelings Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. The Powerful Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame. Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing 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 declared earnestly. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.