R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional 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, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.