🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success. Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, 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 precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.