🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B. Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Set The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their set featured covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Spirit Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.