🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Set The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame. However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Spirit Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.