Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions 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.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.