🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B. Opening Performances: Classic Vibes Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame. Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band. Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Cheer Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.