🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts. The Moving Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame. Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band. Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Spirit Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists 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 glitter rather than snow.