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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

Their performance included covers 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

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

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.