🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B. Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success. Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Spirit Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.