🔗 Share this article

The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never 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 stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

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

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.