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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Impressions

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.