Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not 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 launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set included covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
