R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood 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.

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.