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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

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

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

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

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.