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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live 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 stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece 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 concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.