π Share this article R&B Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasnβt Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame. Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. βAs long as I live, I will never forget tonight,β she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Marsβs Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, Iβll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.