đ Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Vibes Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Set The opening of Burna Boyâs Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasnât Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success. Then, deep into her performance, she opened up 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 moment. âAs long as I live, I will never forget tonight,â she declared sincerely. Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band. Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Marsâs Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Cheer Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, Iâll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.