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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

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

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.