R&B Christmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

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

Overall Impressions

Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.