🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Vibes Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists. The Moving Set The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame. However, deep into her set, she opened up 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. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece 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 mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.