🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame. However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band. Their set 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 holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.