🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Vibes Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts. The Powerful Set The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success. However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured covers of influences, 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 concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.