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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up 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 profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

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

Their set featured covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

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

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.