🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Feelings Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts. The Powerful Set The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success. Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band. Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Spirit Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.