R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
