Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
