R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
