🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B. Starting Acts: Classic Vibes The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame. Then, nine songs into her performance, 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 profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Cheer Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.