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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak 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 solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.