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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including 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

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.