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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

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 gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.