Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties

The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching 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 responsive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.