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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Set

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

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.