Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.