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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured 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 Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong 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 experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.