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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

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

Their set featured covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.