🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B. Opening Performances: Classic Vibes Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. The Powerful Set The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame. Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band. Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Cheer Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.