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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not 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 catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas 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 Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.