Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Impressions

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.