🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B. Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success. Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “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, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.