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This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

Their performance 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 Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme 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 Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.