🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B. Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists. The Moving Performance The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success. Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance included covers 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 Touch of Christmas Cheer Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars 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 glitter rather than frost.