R&B Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing 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.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

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

Final Impressions

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.