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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Impressions

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.