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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

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

The Moving Performance

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

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded 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 night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.