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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

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

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended 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 night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.