R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, 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 evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems 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 hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
