🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B. Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts. The Moving Set The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success. However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing 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 earnestly. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the 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 harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their performance included covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.