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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions 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.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling 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 frost.