🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts. The Moving Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame. However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Cheer Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.