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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from 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, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.