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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

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 legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For 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 impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.