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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.