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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions 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 Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.