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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set included covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.