Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s

This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

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

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.