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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

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

However, deep 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 single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.