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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned 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 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

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

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, 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

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.