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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired 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 concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.