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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers 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 Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.