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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions 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.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.