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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature 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, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.