Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties

This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.