🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Set The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame. However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics 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 covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.