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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic 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 never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.