🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. 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 Acts: Classic Vibes The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. The Powerful Performance The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success. Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band. Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions 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 Thoughts While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.