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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

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

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

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.