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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

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 live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip 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

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece 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 embraced the Christmas theme 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.

Final Impressions

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.