🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts. The Powerful Performance The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success. Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment. Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.