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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, 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 Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.