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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.