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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly 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 tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations 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 Cheer

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

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars 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, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.