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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, 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. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included 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 embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.