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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.