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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke 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 moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.