🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success. Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Cheer Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.