🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. The Moving Set The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame. Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Cheer Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.