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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

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

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on 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 breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.