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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on 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 precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations 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 Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.