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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform 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 sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece 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 strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.