🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B. Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success. However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts Although 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 crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.