🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame. Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment. Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Spirit Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.