🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. The Powerful Set The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame. Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, 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 precise and reactive to their live band. Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Cheer Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.