š Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Starting Acts: Classic Vibes The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. Toni Braxton's Powerful Set The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasnāt Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success. Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. āAs long as I live, I will never forget tonight,ā she stated earnestly. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment. Their set included covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Marsās Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, Iāll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.