🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Concert Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B. Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts. Toni Braxton's Powerful Set The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success. However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “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, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band. Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Spirit Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.