Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

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

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale 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 hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.