R&B Xmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, 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 delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included 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 Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood 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.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.