🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success. Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles 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 performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band. Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Spirit Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.