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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Performance

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

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.