Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s

This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.