R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.