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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted 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 delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to 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.

Overall Impressions

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.