🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts. The Powerful Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “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 crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band. Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.