Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

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

The Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

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

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.