🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Vibes Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts. The Powerful Performance The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success. Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Cheer Towards the end, the concert 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 Thoughts While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.