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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

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

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.