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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-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 tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.