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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers 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 Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded 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 sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.