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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

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

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.