🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Feelings Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts. The Moving Set The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their performance included covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.