🔗 Share this article

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

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

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday 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 closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.