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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.