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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored 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 white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances 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 evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.