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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live 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 sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.