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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Moving Set

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

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles 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 sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set included 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 Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions 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.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.