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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

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

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.