🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B. Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Set The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success. Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme 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. Overall Thoughts Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.