🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. The Moving Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame. However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Cheer Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.