🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B. Opening Performances: Classic Vibes The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame. However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly. Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band. Their performance 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 concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.