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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. 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 spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

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

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Impressions

Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.