R&B Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing 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 sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.