R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “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 grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
