🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional 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 on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success. However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part 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 influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Cheer Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.