🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B. Opening Performances: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts. The Moving Performance The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success. However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment. Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Cheer Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances 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 While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.