🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists. The Moving Set The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly. Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band. Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Cheer Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.