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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

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 backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.

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

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.