🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B. Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame. Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “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, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band. Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Spirit Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.