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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, 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 precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems 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 feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.