R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the 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-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included 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 Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.