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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience 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. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run 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 feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.