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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared 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 impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included 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 Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded 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 night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.