🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Opening Performances: Classic Vibes The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts. The Powerful Set The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame. Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band. Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Cheer Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger 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 frost.