Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening 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 seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.