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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.