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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began 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 covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.