🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Feelings Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists. The Powerful Set The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success. However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For 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 hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band. Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Cheer Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.