🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Set The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success. However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle 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 performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment. Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Cheer Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.