🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success. However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band. Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Cheer Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.