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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

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

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform 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 stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended 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 technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.