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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle 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 earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, 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.

Final Impressions

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.