🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B. Opening Performances: Classic Vibes Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success. Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live 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. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.