R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

However, deep into her set, she opened up 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 heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.