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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.