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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

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

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to 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 Thoughts

Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.