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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.