🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known 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: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Spirit Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.