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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

However, nine songs 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 deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions 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 Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.