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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems 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 glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.