Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.