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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage 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 musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group 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 awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.