Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.