R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, 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 performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions 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 Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
