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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main 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 musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. 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 strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood 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.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.