🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B. Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Spirit Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme 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. Final Thoughts While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.