Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional 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, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
