🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame. Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly 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, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as 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 concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions While the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.