🔗 Share this article

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing 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 Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.