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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.