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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, 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 Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.