🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B. Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Set The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success. However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band. Their set featured covers 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 Cheer Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.