š Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B. Starting Acts: Classic Feelings Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. The Moving Set The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasnāt Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame. Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. āFor as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,ā she stated sincerely. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Marsās Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Cheer Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, Iāll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.