🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Vibes Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared 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 on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band. Their set included interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale 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 experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.