🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists. The Moving Performance The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “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, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band. Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Cheer Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.