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

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

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

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic 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 breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.