Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated 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 vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.