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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.