🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B. Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts. The Moving Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success. However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform 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 earnestly. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Cheer Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.