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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

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

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.