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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

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

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.