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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

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

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, 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 tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions 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.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.