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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.