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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

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

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.