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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Performance

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

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included covers of influences, such as a standout solo 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 concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.