🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success. However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Cheer Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.