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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

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

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, 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 Holiday Cheer

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

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.