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

This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.