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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Set

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

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show 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

Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.