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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a standout 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 concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.