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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions 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.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.