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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.