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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

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

Their set included covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood 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 evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.