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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

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

The Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

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

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced 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.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.