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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits 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 glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.