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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “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, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.