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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

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

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply 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 crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood 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 stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.