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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.