R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, 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 reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.