🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Vibes Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. 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 Spirit Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.