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This yearly 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 sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, 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 profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.