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

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances 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.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.