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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

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

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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 finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.