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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.