This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing 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 sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
A ceramic artist specializing in sustainable pottery, blending traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics to create functional art.
