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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale 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 glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.