🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame. Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.