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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.