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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

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

The Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

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

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.