🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Set The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their set featured interpretations 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 Christmas Spirit Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.