Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.