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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits 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 performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.