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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

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

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run 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 had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.