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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

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

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable 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 concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.