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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance 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

Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.