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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

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

Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For 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, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, 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 precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful 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 sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.