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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Performance

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

Then, 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. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's production 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 temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.