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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

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

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

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

Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

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

Overall Impressions

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.