đ Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Acts: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts. The Moving Performance The beginning of Burna Boyâs Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasnât Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success. However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. âAs long as I live, I will never forget tonight,â she declared earnestly. Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Marsâs Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, Iâll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.