Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

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

Their set included covers of influences, 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 Cheer

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

Final Impressions

While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.