🔗 Share this article

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong 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 had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.