Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.