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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience 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: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.