🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Vibes The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Cheer Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.