R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.