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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

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 precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.