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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip 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: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.