š Share this article R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts. The Moving Performance The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasnāt Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame. However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. āAs long as I live, I will never forget tonight,ā she declared earnestly. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band. Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Marsās Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Spirit Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, Iāll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.