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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.