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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

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

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.