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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, 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 reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended 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 night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.