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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

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

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional 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, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits 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 sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.