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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored 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 never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power 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 signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to 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 Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.