🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Vibes The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts. The Moving Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame. However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.