🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. The Moving Set The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame. However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Appearing on stage in strikingly matching 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 precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Cheer Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.