Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.