🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. The Powerful Performance The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success. Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Cheer Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.