š Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B. Opening Performances: Classic Vibes Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Set The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasnāt Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success. However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. āFor as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,ā she declared earnestly. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band. Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Marsās Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Cheer Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, Iāll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.