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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.