🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Vibes Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. The Moving Performance The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame. However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly. Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece 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 performance 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 Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.