🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Set The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, 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 tight and reactive to their accompaniment. Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Spirit Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.