🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B. Starting Acts: Classic Vibes Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. Toni Braxton's Powerful Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success. Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band. Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Cheer Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.