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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

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

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 performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.