🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B. Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists. The Powerful Set The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame. Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, 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 performance featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Finally, the evening embraced the holiday 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 Thoughts While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.