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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended 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 evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.