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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.