Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
