🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B. Opening Performances: Classic Vibes Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts. The Powerful Performance The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Spirit Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances 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 Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.