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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform 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 sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.