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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

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

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.