🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B. Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Set The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame. Then, 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 gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.