š Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. The Moving Performance The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasnāt Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame. Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. āFor as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,ā she stated earnestly. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band. Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Marsās Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, Iāll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.