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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

However, 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 delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.