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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.