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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing 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 sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

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

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.