Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as 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 concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.