R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke 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 emotional performance. “For 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, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics 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 featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.