R&B Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.