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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

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

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.

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

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of influences, 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

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.