Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
