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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

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

However, nine songs into her set, 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 emotional moment. “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 command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

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

Final Thoughts

Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.