Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
