Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on 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-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

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 effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.