Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

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

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on 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 awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday theme 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 production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.