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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Set

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

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.