Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s

This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly 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 greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful 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 production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.