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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.