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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run 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 experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.