🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success. However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly. Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Spirit Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.