R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning 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 success.
Then, deep 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 solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
