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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

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

The Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

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

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.