🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B. Starting Acts: Classic Vibes Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame. Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance included interpretations 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 Christmas Spirit Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.