🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B. Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame. However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment. Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Spirit Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.